LEARN,
PREPARE AND
SAVE LIVES
The best ways to prevent opioid overdose deaths are to improve opioid prescribing, reduce exposure to opioids, prevent misuse, and treat opioid use disorder.
OVER
75%
of the nearly 107,000 drug overdose deaths in 2021 involved an opioid.
NEARLY
88%
of all opioid overdose deaths in 2021 involved synthetic opioids (excluding
methadone).
(NALOXONE)
Let’s carry naloxone &
look out for one another.
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Information on Preventing Overdoses
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an opioid?
· Prescription opioids can be prescribed by doctors to treat moderate-to-severe pain,
but can also have serious risks and side effects.
· Common prescription opioids are oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin),
morphine and methadone.
· Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid pain reliever used for treating severe pain, typically
advanced cancer pain.
· Heroin is an illegal opioid.
What is opioid misuse?
· Misuse is defined as taking a prescription in higher amounts or longer than
recommended by a physician, using someone else’s prescription, or using opioids to get high.
· 25% of individuals who misuse opioids become physically dependent.
What is opioid dependence?
· Dependence is defined as withdrawal when an individual stops taking an opioid.
· Opioid dependence can occur when opioids are taken for too long a time period or
too many opioids are taken.
· People develop a tolerance for opioids and need to take more of a drug to get the
same pain relief or prevent withdrawal symptoms.
· Even at low doses, taking an opioid pain reliever for more than 3 months increases the
risk of addiction by 15 times.
What happens when you misuse or become dependent on opioids?
· If you are pregnant, your baby like you can become dependent on opioids and go
through withdrawal symptoms even if the opioid is prescribed for you.
· Tolerance—you might need to take more of the medication for the same pain relief
· Physical dependence—you have symptoms of withdrawal when the medication is
stopped
· Withdrawal from opioids is painful, but usually not life-threatening.
· Early withdrawal symptoms include agitation, anxiety, muscle aches, increased
tearing, insomnia, runny nose, sweating, and yawning.
· Late withdrawal symptoms include abdominal cramping, diarrhea, dilated pupils,
goose bumps, nausea, and vomiting.
· Overdose—you can stop breathing and die when you take too many opioids or
combine opioids with other drugs.
Who is affected by opioid dependence?
· Opioid dependence affects people in all economic groups.
· About half (54%) of individuals dependent on opioids live in poverty. [National Survey
on Drug Use and Health]
How does opioid dependence impact individuals and families?
· Increased drug overdose deaths
· Loss of stable living situations
· Increased number of parents unable to care for their children
· Decreased job opportunities
· Increased health care costs
· Increased involvement with the criminal justice system
What are treatment options for opioid dependence or abuse?
Substance abuse programs:
· Outpatient, residential and detoxification
· Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
· Office-based opiate treatment facilities
· Methadone treatment programs
Recovery services include:
· Transitional housing or sober living
· Pastoral or spiritual support
· Faith communities
· Case management
· Recovery skills training
· Employment assistance
· Relapse prevention
· Criminal justice programs such as recovery courts help individuals involved in the
criminal justice system access treatment and recovery services including recovery
courts.
How can opioid misuse be prevented?
Educate individuals about:
· The risk of misusing opioids
· The dangers of sharing medications with others
· Proper disposal of unused medications
· Working with others to help communities become drug free
· Involving faith communities
Resource Documents
Signs & Symptoms
Signs and Symptoms of Opioid Abuse
In the early stages of an opioid use disorder, people are often able to conceal their
abuse of the substance. Eventually, however, certain signs and symptoms of abuse
begin to manifest in their lives. While the exact signs of abuse depend on which
particular opioid a person is using, some common signs of opioid abuse are listed
below:
Behavioral symptoms:
● Lying about pain to receive prescriptions for opioids
● Making appointments for multiple doctors to receive multiple
prescriptions for opioids
● Poor performance in work
● Unexplained periods of absence
● Isolating oneself from friends or family members
● Stealing medications from others
Physical symptoms:
● Noticeable changes in personal appearance, such as weight loss or changes in
hygiene
● Scabs, sores, or puncture wounds suggestive of IV drug use
● Poor motor skills and coordination
● Digestive problems, such as vomiting or diarrhea
● Nausea
● Pupil constriction
Cognitive symptoms:
● Slowed thinking
● Impaired judgment and problem-solving
● Feeling detached from one’s surroundings
● Difficulty concentrating
Psychosocial symptoms:
● Emotional swings
● Sudden, unprovoked outbursts
● Irritability
● Depression
● Paranoia
EVERYTHING
YOU NEED TO
KNOW TO HELP
deaths are to improve opioid prescribing,
reduce exposure to opioids, prevent
misuse, and treat opioid use disorder.
ADDICTION HELPLINE
thoughts of suicide
health-related
crisis support
someone else
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