Descriptions:
Opioid addiction is a disease that can affect anyone. While opioids are one way to safely manage pain when used as prescribed, they can be dangerous when misused. Taking more medication than prescribed can lead to addiction, overdose or even death. Nonprescription opioids may contain fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 times stronger than heroin, which can be fatal. Watch to learn what you can do to protect yourself from opioid addiction and overdose.
Transcript
Opioid addiction can happen to anyone and it can start with misusing prescription pain medications like oxycodone and hydrocodone.
“Pills were going around at this party. I was curious and wanted to give it a try. After the first time, I knew I wanted more.”
“I was going through a hard time, and a friend offered me some oxys. She said they’d help me cope. I started craving them every day.
I bought pills from friends and took them from family members. I wish I had asked for help before I almost died from an overdose.”
“It all started when I was prescribed opioids for an injury. At first, I took a few extra pills to cope with the pain, but then I couldn’t stop. I put opioids before my job and even my family.”
Prescription opioids are one way to safely control pain when used as prescribed, but misusing them may lead to addiction.
Opioids change your brain chemistry, affecting how it processes pain and emotions.
You might experience withdrawal symptoms or feel sick when you stop taking them.
If you don’t get opioids directly from a pharmacy, you can’t know for sure what’s in them. Counterfeit pills are increasingly common and often look just like the real thing.
Fentanyl, an opioid 50 times stronger than heroin, may be mixed into counterfeit pills.
Even in small doses, fentanyl can cause a life-threatening overdose.
Here’s how you can reduce your risk.
Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose.
Keeping it on hand could mean the difference between life and death for you or someone else.
Naloxone is available at pharmacies in Texas without a prescription.
To protect yourself from addiction and overdose, never misuse prescription opioids – especially alone.
If you are worried you may have an addiction, reach out to someone you trust for help.
Opioid addiction is a disease that can affect anyone, and everyone deserves help.
Treatment is available, and recovery is possible.
Learn more at TxOpioidResponse.org
