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WHAT WE KNOW
For far too long people have thought of substance use disorders as a choice, character flaw, or moral failing.
We underestimated how exposure to addictive substances can lead to full blown addiction.
OPIOID FAST FACTS
125
125 people die from overdoses involving opioids every single day.
OPIOID FAST FACTS
44 PEOPLE
44 people die in the US everyday from overdose of prescription painkillers... and many more become addicted.
OPIOID FAST FACTS
2.5 MILLION
2.5 million emergency department visits per year related to opioids.
OPIOID FAST FACTS
55.7 BILLION
$55.7 billion spent on prescription opioid misuse in the workplace, healthcare and criminal justice.
EVERYONE IS AT RISK
“We now know that substance abuse disorders don't discriminate. They affect the rich and the poor, all socioeconomic groups and ethnic groups. They affect people in urban areas and rural ones. Far more people than we realize are affected.”
—U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy
RISK TO YOUNG PEOPLE
Young adults are particularly at risk for opioid misuse because:
- Peer pressure
- Ease of access
- Lack of knowledge about risks
- Vulnerability due to incomplete brain development.
RISK TO PEOPLE OF COLOR
Communities of color have been profoundly impacted:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the drug death rate is rising most steeply among Blacks, with those between the ages of 45 and 65 among the hardest hit.
WARNINGS
WARNING SIGNS
- Slow breathing
- Pale appearance
- Limpness
- Unresponsiveness
- Extreme sedation
- Seizures
WHAT TO DO
- Call 911 FIRST
- Try to wake the person up
- Use naloxone, the opioid overdose reversal drug, if available
PREVENT OPIOID MISUSE & ABUSE
Protect yourself, family & friends by understanding:
Risk Factors
Protective Factors
Steps to Stay Safe
RISK FACTORS
- Early initiation of substance abuse
- Early and persistent problem behavior
- Favorable attitudes towards substance use
- Peer substance use
- Genetic predictors
PROTECTIVE FACTORS
- Self-efficacy
- Spirituality
- Resilience
- Social and emotional support
PREVENT MISUSE & ADDICTION
Together, risk and protective factors influence the likelihood that a person may use a substance and develop an addiction.
- Know you’re at greater risk in times of change.
- Support the development of protective factors.
- Learn how to manage stress in healthy ways.
STEPS TO TAKE IF YOU'RE CONSIDERING OPIOIDS
Before taking opioids, try alternative pain management therapies first. If you and your doctor do decide you should be on opioid medication:
- Take opioids only as directed by your doctor.
- Ask your doctor about a prescription for naloxone.
- Don't mix opioids with alcohol or sedatives.
- Keep track of medications.
- Get rid of unused opioid medications.
- Never share prescription medications.
If you believe your use of opioids is becoming a problem, talk to your doctor or a substance use disorder professional.
CONNECT TO REDUCE OPIOID MISUSE
Connect to keep family, friends and yourself safe.
Use the Community Connector to find resources and information to stop opioid misuse and addiction.
SHARE
TALK ABOUT IT
Talk with family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers to help spread the word about the importance of preventing opioid misuse and addiction.
SHARE
GO SOCIAL
Use social media, text messaging and email. Your message can be as simple as:
"Take action to prevent opioid misuse and addiction. Learn how @WhatsUpWithOpioids.org."
"Take action to prevent opioid misuse and addiction. Learn how @WhatsUpWithOpioids.org."
SHARE
COMMUNITY
Community groups—nonprofits, schools, faith-based organizations, and workplaces—can bring people together to discuss opioid misuse and addiction.