Opioid Use
Disorder
What you should ask your doctor …
- Are there alternative treatments?
- What are the potential side effects?
- What about a lower dosage?
- What are the risks/side effects?
- How long should I take this medication?
- Can I become physically dependent or addicted?
- I have a history of substance use disorder. Should I still take an opioid?
- Addiction runs in my family, should I take this medication?
- Is it safe to take with other medications?
- Is there a potential to overdose?
Problem use indicators …
- Trying to stop, or cut down, but being unable to
- Being scared of running out of drugs
- Use of the drug causes problems – like keeping a job, relationship issues, but person continues use
Safe storage/Disposal …
- According to the 2020 Communities that Care Survey, nearly 11% of Shawnee County youth report it’s easy to get prescription drugs. They also typically get prescription drugs from friends and family. So please …
- Store opioids so that others can’t use them – secure them in a locked container.
- Warn children that taking a drug that wasn’t prescribed to them is dangerous.
- Dispose of any you don’t use.
Shawnee County Unused Drug Disposal Sites
|
HY-VEE PHARMACY #1658 |
2951 SW WANAMAKER |
Available during pharmacy hours. |
|
JAYHAWK PHCY @MISSIONS WOODS |
2860 SW MISSION WOODS DR |
Available during pharmacy hours. |
|
KANSAS CVS PHARMACY, L.L.C. |
3901 SW 21ST ST. |
Available during pharmacy hours. |
|
STORMONT-VAIL RETAIL PHARMACY |
2252 SW 10TH AVE |
Available during pharmacy hours. |
|
TOPEKA POLICE DEPARTMENT |
320 S. KANSAS AVE. |
Available during pharmacy hours. |
|
WALMART PHARMACY 10-1802 |
1501 SW WANAMAKER |
Available during pharmacy hours. |
|
WALGREEN CO. |
1001 SW TOPEKA BLVD. |
Available during pharmacy hours. |
|
WALMART PHARMACY 10-6392 |
2630 SE CALIFORNIA AVENUE |
Available during pharmacy hours. |
|
WALMART 10-5441 |
2600 NW ROCHESTER ROAD |
Available during pharmacy hours. |
Check additional sites on National Drug Take Back Day (April 24, 2021) at
https://takebackday.dea.gov/
How To Properly Dispose of Unused Medicine Infographic
https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2018-10/Proper%20Disposal%20Flier%20%28October%202018%29.pdf
Gone for Good ™ at-home medication disposal
https://deterrasystem.com/safe/
Safe use of opioids …
- Don’t take more opioids than prescribed. Always follow the directions on the label.
- Don’t combine opioids with alcohol or certain drugs without medical supervision.
- Don’t use illicit or illegal opioids, like heroin, or illicitly-manufactured fentanyl.
- If you feel craving or strong urges for misuse or non-medical use of opioids, contact your medical provider.
Signs & Symptoms of an Opioid Overdose …
- Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils”
- Falling asleep or loss of consciousness
- Slow, shallow breathing
- Choking or gurgling sounds
- Limp body
- Pale, blue or cold skin
What to Do If You Think someone is Overdosing …
- It may be hard to know, but if you aren’t sure, treat it like an overdose – you could save a life.
- Call 911 immediately.
- Administer naloxone, if available.
- Try to keep the person awake and breathing.
- Lay the person on their side to prevent choking.
- Stay with him or her until emergency workers arrive.
What is an Opioid?
Opioids are commonly prescribed to treat severe pain or chronic pain (the kind that lasts a long time). They are often prescribed to reduce pain from an injury, after surgery, or dental work. People with chronic pain such as from arthritis may also be prescribed opioids for longer periods of time.
However, taking too much or taking with alcohol or other drugs can lead to dependence, addiction, or overdose, if not used properly. An overdose can happen when too much of the drug overwhelms the brain and interrupts the body’s natural drive to breathe.
Most Frequently Prescribed Opioids …
- Hydrocodone
- Oxycodone
- Codeine
- Morphine
You increase the risk of addition if you …
- Use more than your health care provider prescribed.
- Use when you only have minimal pain.
- Use if you have a history of alcohol or drug abuse.
- Use for a reason other than to reduce pain.
- Use with alcohol or other drugs.
RESOURCES
- Find Care in Our Community: PARS Community Care Page
- "It's Okay to Ask" Opioid Prevention Materials: Request Resources
- DCCCA Naloxone Program: https://www.dccca.org/naloxone-program/
- For more information about opioids: www.Preventoverdoseks.org
- If you know someone at risk for an overdose, call the SAMHSA Helpline at: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- Poison Control Hotline: 1-800-222-1222
- Kansas Substance Use Treatment Referral Line: 1-866-645-8216
- Gone for Good ™ at-home medication disposal: https://deterrasystem.com/safe/