WHAT IS AN OPIOID?
Opioids are a class of drugs commonly used to reduce pain. The illegal drug heroin is an opioid, as are many of the prescription pain relievers prescribed by doctors, including oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, and many others. Opioids can negatively affect the reward center in the brain, leading users to need more and more over time. As a result, these drugs can be highly addictive.
PAIN MANAGEMENT OPTIONS
Opioids aren't the only painkillers on the market, and they're not always the best way to fight pain. In some cases, even over-the-counter drugs might be more effective, and have fewer side effects. Learn more about how you can manage pain without putting yourself and family at risk.
SHARING PRESCRIPTIONS IS NEVER A GOOD IDEA
When a doctor prescribes you medication, they consider your personal health condition, allergies and care needs. Never share your prescriptions. The CDC has some great tips on what to ask your doctor if you’re ever prescribed an opioid and for more information on not sharing prescriptions and what to do if you’re ever offered a prescription that isn’t yours, the National Institute on Drug Abuse has some good resources.
DR FOTINOS | OPIOIDS 101
MORE INFORMATION
FRIENDS FOR LIFE
Visit the Friends for Life fentanyl education site for more information about illicit fentanyl and how to use naloxone to prevent overdose deaths.
HCA – Start Talking Now
Practical advice for parents on how to maintain a healthy, open conversation with their children about drugs and alcohol.
UW ALCOHOL & DRUG ABUSE INSTITUTE - STOP OVERDOSE
A guide to preventing overdoses, with information geared to opioid users, their families, and their doctors.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE
This overview of the opioid crisis focuses on two primary questions: how did opioids become such a problem, and how can we turn things around?
PARTNERSHIP FOR DRUG-FREE KIDS
Written with families in mind, this guide explains the basics of the opioid epidemic and offers next steps for safeguarding your prescription medications.
CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL & PREVENTION (CDC)
The CDC offers national resources for preventing opioid overdose deaths.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
An information-rich resource with national data on substance abuse and mental health.
RESOURCES
PREVENTION
CAMPAIGN TOOLKIT
We developed a variety of different resources to help educators, health providers, nonprofits and other partners to use this scalable and localizable prevention campaign in their own communities. You can access and download the materials here.
SAFE DISPOSAL
CAMPAIGN TOOLKIT
We developed a number of resources to help educators, health providers, nonprofits, and other partners to promote safe disposal of prescriptions in their own communities and for local ‘take back’ events. You can access all of these materials here.
PARENT/CAREGIVER
TOOLKIT
Talking to your kids about drugs can be tough, but it may be the most important thing you do.
In this toolkit you will find tips on how to have a conversation, opioid facts, and ways to help you break the ice with your young adult child when it comes to discussing opioids.
