Overdose Awareness Week
More than 100,000 individuals died from overdoses in 2021, an about 15% rise from the year before. Every loss serves as a sad reminder that our country's overdose problem requires urgent attention.
Overdose Awareness Day is August 31 and during the week we reflect on the suffering endured by those who lost their lives to drug overdoses. We spread knowledge about substance use disorders to stop deaths, encourage treatment, and honor recovery.
The truth about opioids:
OPIOIDS AFFECT YOUR BRAIN. Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, and many others. They affect both the spinal cord and brain to reduce the intensity of pain-signal perception as well as brain areas that control emotion. They can also affect the brain to cause euphoria or "high".
OPIOIDS AFFECT YOUR BODY. Opioids slow down the actions of the body, such as breathing and heartbeat. Even a single dose of an opioid can cause severe respiratory depression (slowing or stopping of breathing), which can be fatal; taking opioids with alcohol or sedatives increases this risk.
Q: My doctor prescribed me opioids. Doesn't that mean they're safe?
A: Prescription opioids-when used long term or incorrectly-can cause the brain to become reliant on the drug and are addictive.
Q: If I use opioids, will I become addicted?
A: Prescription opioids can cause physical dependence when used as directed or addiction if misused; illegal opioids such as heroin are also highly addictive. People who regularly use prescription opioids or heroin often develop tolerance, which means that they need higher and/or more frequent doses of the drug to get the desired effects.
If you are in a crisis or any other person may be in danger — don't use this website.
These resources can provide you with immediate help.
Opioid use disorder is a chronic but treatable condition. Several medications can help support recovery & improve health by reducing cravings, easing withdrawal symptoms & even reversing an opioid overdose. These medicines are safe, effective & save lives. https://t.co/fZGtae7Nre pic.twitter.com/8dZJHl9cur
— SAMHSA (@samhsagov) August 30, 2022
Learn the warning signs of opioid overdose and how naloxone and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs can help treat and prevent it.
