Understanding Opioids What Is an Opioid? Opioids Are Medicines That Relieve Pain by Reducing the Signals That Tell Your Brain You Are in Pain
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Understanding Opioids What is an opioid? Opioids are medicines that relieve pain by reducing the signals that tell your brain you are in pain. Common types can include: As many as 1 in 4 • Hydrocodone (Vicodin) people receiving • Oxycodone (OxyContin) • Oxymorphine (Opana) prescription opioids • Morphine long term from a These medications can be incredibly helpful to individuals experiencing pain. It is primary care provider important to remember that opioids can have serious risks, such as addiction and struggle with addiction. death from overdose. Why is some pain good? It is important to remember that some pain can be good. When you touch something hot, you experience pain that lets you know to move your hand. Oftentimes, pain can help us avoid doing something more harmful to our bodies. Many Americans suffer from chronic pain. You deserve safe and effective pain management. In some cases, it may not be possible to be out of pain completely. You can work with your healthcare provider to reduce your pain to a manageable level. What should I talk with my healthcare provider about prior to beginning to take opioids? 1. Tell your doctor immediately if you have a history of substance use, anxiety, and/or depression. 2. Make sure your doctor is aware of all medications and vitamins or minerals you take. 3. Ask your doctor if other treatment alternatives may be more appropriate for you. 4. Establish treatment goals with your doctor that include how long you should expect to be on opioids and how often you should be taking the medication. What are other options? There are many options to address pain that do not include the use of opioids. These include medication and natural alternatives. Medication Alternatives Natural Alternatives Acetaminophen Exercising (Tylenol, Panadol, Anacin) Over the Counter NSAIDs Practicing Mindfulness & Meditation (Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Naproxen Sodium) Prescription NSAIDs Resting (Oxaprozin, Etodolac, Indomethacin, Naproxen, Nabumetone, Diclofenac Vimovo) Gabapentin/Pregabalin (Neurontin, Gralise, Horizant, Lyrica) Group/Individual Counseling Tricyclic Antidepressants (Elavil, Tofranil, Vanatrip) Serotonin/Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (Effexor, Pristiq, Savella, Cymbalta, Irenka, Khedezla) Topical Agents (Lidocaine, Capsaicin, NSAIDs) How do I dispose of unused opioid medications? Drug Take-Back Programs Returning your unwanted medicines to a take-back program is the safest and most environmentally protective way to dispose of unused medication. Dare County Sheriff’s Office If there are no take back programs in your area, follow these simple steps Monday - Friday to dispose of most medicines in the household trash: 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. • Mix medicines (do not crush tablets or capsules) with an unpalatable 252.475.5980 substance such as dirt, kitty litter, or used coffee grounds; • Place the mixture in a container such as Duck Police Department a sealed plastic bag; Monday - Friday • Throw the container in your household 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. In the last month trash; 252.261.1112 it is estimated • Scratch out all personal information on the prescription label of your empty pill that 4.3 million Kill Devil Hills Police bottle or empty medicine packaging Americans engaged Monday - Friday to make it unreadable, then dispose of 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. in non-medical use of the container. 252.449.5337 opioids. Flushing certain medications can be Kitty Hawk Police harmful to the environment. Prior to disposing of any medication by toilet Monday - Friday or sink, please visit www.fda.gov to assure the medications are safe to be 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. disposed of in that method. 252.216.3895 Nags Head Police Dare County Resources Monday - Friday There are many local resources available for someone who may be 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. suffering with a substance abuse problem. Contact the agencies below if 252.444.6386 you are in need of assistance. Outer Banks Hospital PORT/New Horizons Drug Drop-off Events 2808 S Croatan Hwy • Nags Head, NC 27959 • 252.441.2324 Hosted Quarterly 252.449.4529 Trillium Health Resources www.trilliumaccesspoint.org • 877.685.2415 • 24 Hours a Day Southern Shores Police Monday - Friday Mobile Crisis Team 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. 866.437.1821 • 24 Hours a Day • 7 Days a Week 252.261.3331 2-1-1 Directory www.nc211.org Please visit darenc.com/rx for additional locations and details. Contact your insurance company to find out more information on local providers and your plan’s benefits. Current as of August 2017 Contact your healthcare provider for additional assistance: Place Healthcare Provider Contact Info Here County of Dare Department of Health & Human Services P.O. Box 669 | Manteo, NC 27954 Health 252.475.5003 | Social Services 252.475.5500 | Veterans Services 252.475.5604 | darenc.com/hhs UOPH.08172017.1.