What are Opioids?
Name one common street name for opioids:
Oxy, Percs, Vikes
True or False: You can only get addicted to illegal opioids
True or False: People who only have a history of substance use are at risk of opioid addiction
False
What are opioids mainly used to treat?
What is pain
What is one long term effect of opioid use?
Depression and anxiety
Cognitive impairment, Memory problems, poor concentration, slowed thinking
Increase risk of mental health problems
Poor hygiene- Bad breath, scabs, cuts, bruising, teeth loss
Risks of diseases- HIV, Hepatitis, and bacterial infections
Liver and kidney damage/failure
Lesions
What is it called when the body can only function normally when taking the drug, making it harder to quit the drug
Dependance
Name one legal opioid.
Morphine, Oxycodone (OxyContin), Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
What is one side effect and/or sign of misuse?
Drowsiness, Pinpoint pupils, Slowed breathing, Constipation, Mood swings, Secrecy, Stealing prescriptions/stealing from others, Dependence, Withdrawal symptoms, Overdose risk
What is it called when the user stops taking the drugs and starts to experience muscle aches, abdominal cramps, agitation, anxiety, nausea and vomiting, chills, diarrhea, and more
Withdrawal
Name one illegal opioid.
Heroin, fentanyl (non-prescribed)
Opioids come in various forms. Name one kind of form:
Tablets and Capsules
Injected solutions
Suppositories
What is it called when a person needs more of a drug or higher dose to get the same effect?
Tolerance
Name one semi-synthetic opioid
Heroin, oxycodone or hydrocodone
Opioids attach to receptors in the _______ and ______
Brain and spinal cord
Name one resource you can call or go to if you or someone else are at risk of addiction
SAMHSA: www.samhsa.gov
CDC: www.cdc.gov/opioids
National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
211 or 988
Local treatment centers (if applicable)
New Era Rehabilitation Center, New Haven, CT
Connecticut Counseling Centers, Inc., Norwalk, CT
Root Center for Advanced Recovery, Middletown, CT