Opioids are a family of drugs that are generally prescribed to relieve moderate-to-severe pain. A health care professional may prescribe them as part of a treatment plan following an injury or surgery. While some opioids can be legally prescribed (such as OxyContin and morphine), other types of opioids are made for the illegal drug market (such as heroin and non-prescribed fentanyl). Opioids can make people feel very relaxed, which is why they are sometimes used for non-medical reasons. This can be dangerous because opioids can be highly addictive, and opioid-related overdoses and fatalities are common.
Are opioids dangerous?
Opioid use, even under a doctor’s supervision, can pose risks. Regular use of prescribed medications can increase a person’s tolerance and dependence, requiring higher and more frequent doses. This may rapidly become dependence, meaning that not taking opioids may cause severe pain, discomfort, and other symptoms because opioids are no longer in the brain and body. This is known as withdrawals. This leads some people to use opioids more and more, a cycle that can lead to Opioid Use Disorder.
Opioid Use Disorder occurs when opioid use interferes with daily life. This may include challenges at home, at work, at school, or in relationships. Anyone who uses opioids can develop Opioid Use Disorder. It is a chronic disease that can be managed.
What are common types of opioids?
Some opioids are prescription drugs, while other opioids are made for the illegal drug market. Common types of opioids include, but are not limited to:
OxyContin (Oxycodone)
Vicodin, Norco and Lortab (Hydrocodone with Acetaminophen)
Percocet (Oxycodone with Acetaminophen)
Tramadol
Codeine
Morphine
Methadone
Demerol (meperidine)
Fentanyl
Buprenorphine
Heroin
What is Opioid Use Disorder?
Opioid Use Disorder occurs when opioid use interferes with daily life. This may include challenges at home, at work, at school, or in relationships. Anyone who uses opioids can develop Opioid Use Disorder. It is a chronic disease that can be managed. It occurs when someone takes a prescription in higher amounts or longer than recommended by a physician, uses someone else’s prescription, or uses opioids to get high. Opioid Use Disorder may involve physical dependence and psychological dependence.
What are the signs of Opioid Use Disorder?
According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the signs of Opioid Use Disorder include:
Taking larger amounts of opioids or taking them over a longer period than prescribed.
Having a strong desire or urge to use opioids.
Having unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control opioid use.
Continuing to use opioids despite having recurring social or interpersonal issues due to using them.
Spending a great deal of time obtaining or using opioids or recovering from their effects.
Having issues fulfilling responsibilities at work, school, or home due to opioid use.
Giving up or reducing activities because of opioid use.
Continuing opioid use despite an ongoing physical or psychological problem that’s likely caused or worsened by opioids.
Developing tolerance (need for increased amounts to get the same effect).
Experiencing withdrawal or taking opioids to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.
What is NARCAN (Naloxone)?
NARCAN is a nasal spray medicine that blocks the harmful effects of opioids on the brain. Even if opioids are not involved with the overdose, it won't cause any harm. During an opioid emergency, it can take only four minutes for brain damage to occur after someone stops breathing, and death can result in another four-to-six minutes. Narcan can reverse the effects of an opioid emergency by restoring breathing while waiting for emergency personnel to arrive. NARCAN is safe and easy to use, works almost immediately, and is not addictive.
Where can you get NARCAN (Naloxone)?
NARCAN (and other alternatives) is widely available in many physical and online locations:
Over-the-Counter: NARCAN can be purchased over-the-counter (or online) at many stores with pharmacies, including CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and Target.
Santa Clara County Opioid Overdose Prevention Project: Free NARCAN kits and training are available through SCCOOPP's mail-in program. Call 408-272-6055 or email SCCOOPP@hhs.sccgov.org for more information.
Harm Reduction Program: The County of Santa Clara Harm Reduction Program provides services and supplies free of cost for the community, such as NARCAN, fentanyl testing strips, treatment, clean supplies, and housing.
Your Doctor: If you have been prescribed high-dose opioids, talk to your doctor about co-prescribing NARCAN.
How to do you safely dispose of opioids?
Don't flush unused or expired medicines down the toilet, the drain, or put in the garbage. Drop them off a local medicine drop-off bin.
