Find the answers to some frequently asked questions
Opioids are drugs that relieve pain through the nervous system and are dangerous because they pose a risk for addiction and overdose. Some examples of opioids are: • Heroin • Opium • Fentanyl • Demerol • Oxycodone • Dilaudid • Hydrocodone • Methadone • Codeine • Morphine
Opioids are drugs that relieve pain and can trick your brain into believing that you need them for survival. This need can make you take more and more of the drug to relieve the pain or achieve well-being which can lead to dependency.
• Withdrawal from family and friends – spending time more time alone or changing friends. • Loss of interest in activities, lethargic and sad, misses important appointments, sleeps at odd times. • Poor hygiene – not wanting to bathe, wear clean clothes or brush teeth. • Changes in appetite/eating – may eat more or less than usual. • Hyperactivity , quickly changing moods, fast talking and not making sense. • Nervousness or crankiness. • Trouble with law enforcement.
• Breathing is affected – slow, shallow breaths • Extreme sleepiness and inability to talk • Cyanotic – blueish skin color or dark-colored lips • Making snoring or gurgling sounds
• Call 911 • Try to gently wake the person and keep them awake • Perform rescue breathing if breathing is shallow, not breathing at all or if skin is bluish color and/or lips are dark colored. • Begin CPR if the person has no pulse or isn’t breathing. • If vomiting begins place person on their side with their opposite hand under their head, their mouth facing to the side and down with top leg on the floor to keep them from rolling onto their stomach. • Stay with the person until EMS responds.
The effects of this medication is mild and dosages are monitored closely by a provider. Unlike other opioids, suboxone has a slow, gradual uptake and produces stable levels in the brain causing a decrease in a person’s desire to use opioids. The use of this medication is safe and effective when taken as directed.
Have you tried to stop using on your own but keep returning to drug use? You’re not alone. Most don’t succeed in the long-term because they want to avoid the intense withdrawal symptoms that come with quitting “cold turkey”. With the Medication Assisted Program you are closely monitored by a provider that will gradually lower your dosage until you no longer require assistance. This program may be the right one for you if: • You are an adult who has been dependent on painkillers or heroin for more than a year. • Your drug use has been affecting your work, family and/or social life. • You have tried to quit ...
