Tips for Preventing Opioid Addiction

When used as prescribed by a doctor, opioids can be a valuable part of a patient’s pain management. Yet for too many in Alabama, opioids can cause more pain than they relieve, over a lifetime of addiction. It may surprise you to learn that many commonly prescribed painkillers affect the same part of the brain that heroin does.

The best way to live a life free from opioid addiction is to never start abusing opioid drugs in the first place. Here are a few tips on how to prevent addiction.

1. Know what to ask your doctor or dentist before you’re prescribed medicine for pain.

Check to see if non-opioid options would be appropriate. They have often proven effective for patients following wisdom teeth removal, knee or hip replacement, C-section, and other surgeries and procedures. Sources: U.S. Food & Drug Administration; Shatterproof

2. Ask if non-prescription alternatives would work for your pain.

These include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, exercise and physical therapy, and weight loss. Source: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

3. If opioids are your best option, ask for the lowest dose you’ll need

and how long you’ll need to take the opioids. Make sure you use them only as directed. Source: U.S. Food & Drug Administration

4. Store opioids (and all other medications) safely out of the reach of children.

Put them away after each use. Always relock the safety cap on bottle, making sure that those that twist “click” tightly shut. Remind visitors to keep purses, bags, or coats containing medications up and away, out of sight while they’re in your home. Source: Up and Away Initiative of PROTECT

5. Know how to dispose of opioids safely.

Your community may occasionally host drug take-back events. If not, you can take your unused or expired opioid medications to specially designated, permanent collection sites. To find a public disposal location near you, visit the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration website at https://apps.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch/spring/main?execution=e1s1

6. Know which opioids should be flushed down the toilet

Your community may occasionally host drug take-back events. If not, you can take your unused or expired opioid medications to specially designated, permanent collection sites. To find a public disposal location near you, visit the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration website at https://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/EnsuringSafeUseofMedicine/SafeDisposalofMedicines/UCM588196.pdf

7. Know how to properly dispose of opioids in your household trash.

Mix uncrushed medicines with dirt, cat litter, or used coffee grounds; place the mixture in a sealed container or plastic bag; throw the container in your household trash; and delete all personal information from labels on pill bottles. Source: U.S. Food & Drug Administration

Get Help Today

Take courage together

It may look like a party, but when abused, opioids are anything but. Don’t ever feel pressured into misusing opioids. By taking courage together, Alabamians can help prevent opioid addiction and overdose before they affect even more lives.

Make the choice today to stay free from opioid abuse. And if someone you know needs help, call 844-307-1760.

You’re not alone

If you’re facing opioid addiction, know that you’re not facing it alone. It affects those you love. It affects all of us. Together, we can have the courage to take positive steps and do something about opioid abuse. There are people near you, ready to provide the help you need.

Honor those who care about you. Open the door today to a life free from opioid abuse. Call 844-307-1760.

No Stigma

People from all walks of life may find themselves facing opioid addiction, regardless of race, age or socioeconomic status. Together, let’s get rid of the stigmas surrounding opioid misuse. Don’t be afraid to seek help. We can have the courage to make a difference.

The opioid epidemic in Alabama affects us all. For help, call 844-307-1760.