Resources

Opioid Information

Prescription opioids are medications that can relieve acute pain. However, they carry great risk of misuse, abuse and addiction. We want you to understand more than just the risks associated with opioids. We want you to know about side effects, other therapies and addiction recovery options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Opioids are pain relievers prescribed by a physician. They are usually prescribed to people who have cancer or chronic pain, or if they are recovering from an injury or surgery.

Opioids are a topic of concern right now, because the U.S. is experiencing what’s generally been referred to as an “epidemic,” meaning opioid abuse is a problem that’s taken a huge toll on public health.

Prescription opioids can be taken safely. But because of their highly addictive properties, abuse, misuse and addiction can lead
to the use of illicit drugs (such as heroin), which quickly increases the risk of death or injury.

There are several opioid pain relievers on the market, both brand and generic. Below we’ve listed some of the most common generic medication names.

  • Oxycodone ER
  • Oxycodone with acetaminophen
  • Morphine sulfate
  • Hydrocodone with acetaminophen
  • Codeine
  • Fentanyl patches
  • Hydromorphone

If your medicine isn’t included on the list above, or if you don’t know if your current medication regimen includes an opioid, reach out to your doctor or pharmacist.

Always store prescription medicine in childproof containers. Keep them locked up and safe from friends, family, children and pets.

Remember to take your medicine as directed. For example, if your medicine label reads, “Take 1-2 tablets by mouth every 4-6 hours as needed,” that does not mean that you need to take 2 tablets every 4 hours around the clock. Always assess your pain levels once 4-6 hours have passed, and take your next dose accordingly. If you feel mild-to-moderate pain, err on the side of taking a lower dose.

Unlike certain medications (such as antibiotics), if you start to feel better, you may stop taking your prescription opioids. There is no need to finish an entire bottle if you are no longer experiencing pain.

Safe disposal of your medicine is vital to keeping your loved ones safe. Drug take-back events are the best way to dispose of unused medicine. Controlled substance public disposal locations also exist in many areas.

Visit the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) diversion site to learn more. Ask your pharmacy if they participate in a mail-back program where you can dispose of unused opioids.

As a last resort, you can dispose of your medicine at home in the trash. Please follow these instructions when disposing of medicine in the garbage:

  • Mix with an unpleasant substance, such as kitty litter or used coffee grounds
  • Place in a sealed plastic bag
  • Throw into your household trash
  • Scratch out personal information on your pill bottle, and dispose of it separately

Some medicines should be immediately flushed when not needed to prevent accidental exposure. Visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Drug Resources Page to learn more.

There are distinct warning signs when it comes to recognizing opioid dependence and addiction. Someone may be addicted if they:

  • Contact multiple doctors to satisfy their need for opioid pain relievers, also known as “doctor shopping”
  • Spend significant time trying to obtain medicine, negatively affecting their well-being and are focused on their next “fix”
  • Steal or share someone else’s medicine, risking the health of both people

If you’re concerned about your own health, we encourage you to speak with your doctor as soon as possible. If you’re concerned about a friend or family member, and the situation is not an emergency, contact a local substance abuse facility to learn more about what you can do. If you’re concerned that someone may be overdosing, call 911 right away.

Dependence and/or addiction is just one possible side effect of using prescription opioids. Other side effects include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Constipation
  • Nausea and vomiting

It’s important to avoid certain activities, such as drinking alcohol or driving a car, while taking prescription opioids.

Police officers and other emergency personnel carry a medicine called naloxone to help when someone is experiencing an overdose.

We encourage you to learn about naloxone. Naloxone is an injection or inhalant that can be used to reverse the effects of a suspected opioid overdose. It works by blocking the effects of opioids on the brain and by restoring breathing. 

If you or someone you know uses opioids, you can keep naloxone on hand in case of an emergency. It is available without a prescription and can be purchased from a variety of places including drug stores, convenience stores, and online.

There are medicinal and non-medicinal ways, which are referred to as alternative therapies, to relieve pain. Talk with your doctor to determine what’s best for you.

Medicinal Therapy

Depending on the injury and pain level, non-opioid pain relievers may do the trick. Some examples include acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen. These medicines are available in over-the-counter formulations as well as prescription dosages. Always talk to your doctor first to determine the best option for you.

Non-Medicinal Therapy

Sometimes medicine isn’t the right answer. Depending on the injury and pain level, one of the following may be a good solution for your personal health:

  • Acupuncture
  • Physical therapy
  • Massage therapy
  • Gentle exercise, such as yoga 

Contact a health care professional. Certain medicines can be prescribed by a physician to treat opioid addiction:

  • Buprenorphine and naloxone buccal film
  • Buprenorphine implant for subdermal administration
  • Buprenorphine ER injection for subcutaneous use
  • Buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual film for sublingual or buccal use
  • Buprenorphine sublingual tablet
  • Buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual tablets
  • Methadone
  • Naltrexone tablet or intramuscular injection

Additionally, non-medicinal therapies are used in combination with medicine to treat opioid use disorders. These include:

  • Inpatient treatment, where the individual stays overnight or for an extended period of time within a controlled environment.
    This is best for those who suffer from severe addictions or co-occurring mental disorders, or those who have no support at home.
  • Outpatient treatment, where the individual visits a facility for treatment, but does not stay overnight. This is ideal for those who do not suffer from co-occurring mental disorders, those who experience less severe addiction and those who do have a strong support system at home.
  • Therapy, which is essential to any individual seeking treatment. Different kinds of therapy include cognitive behavioral therapy, contingency management or group therapy.

Additional Resources

Signs, safety and treatment

Recovery programs