An opioid overdose requires immediate medical attention. Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know exhibits any of the symptoms.

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Prescription Opioids

Opioids

Source: NCBI

WHAT ARE OPIOIDS?

Opioids are prescriptions that help with strong pain. There are three forms: natural, synthetic, and semi-synthetic.

How Opioids Work
  • Opioids attach to receptors in the brain and body
  • Opioids block pain signals
  • Opioids release dopamine, which makes you feel good
  • This cycle can make people keep wanting to use opioids

WHEN HELP BECOMES HARM

Prescription opioids can help with treating strong pain, and are often prescribed after medical procedures such as surgery. Prescription opioids are generally safe when taken as directed by a doctor.
0

Million
People

over the age of 12 misused opioids
Source: SAMHSA
Minnesota opioid prescriptions have decreased by
0 %
Source: MDH
0 X
the number of people who died from a drug overdose in 2021 compared to 1999
Source: CDC

These are some of the most commonly prescribed opioids according to the CDC:

  • Hydrocodone (Vicodin®)
  • Oxycodone (OxyContin®, Percocet®)
  • Oxymorphone (Opana®)
  • Hydromorphone
  • Tapentadol
  • Methadone
  • Morphine (Kadian®, Avinza®)
  • Codeine

To learn more names for these substances, check out NIH list of street and commercial names.

It’s crucial to recognize the symptoms of an overdose. It can happen any time, anywhere, and requires an immediate response. Here’s a list of warning signs to help you identify and address potential overdose situations.

Signs of an Overdose

The Dangers of Misusing Opioids

If patients are not told how to stop taking opioids or don’t get support, they can start misusing them as they are extremely addictive.

Misuse of prescription opioids can happen by:

  • Taking more than prescribed
  • Using the medicine differently than prescribed
  • Taking someone else’s prescription
  • Using the prescription for other reasons than the doctor says
  • Prescriptions drug can lead to substance use disorders (SUD)
What to do when prescribed opioids

Before getting prescribed opioids:

  • Set pain goals with your doctor
  • Discuss all pain treatment options
  • Ask about the risks and benefits of opioids
  • Tell your doctor if you or your family have had a substance use problem
  • Consult your doctor to make sure you get safe and good care

When using prescription opioids:

  • Make a pain management plan
  • Take only as directed
  • Do not share your medicine
  • Store your prescription safely
  • Dispose of unused prescription properly
Know the effects

A substance use disorder (SUD) can develop with continued misuse of opioids. Misuse can cause:

  • Changes to the brain
  • Health problems
  • Problems at work, school, or home
  • Withdrawal symptoms
Learn About More effects
EXPLORE RECOVERY METHODS

profit over people

For years, synthetic opioids have helped with pain. But today, fake and illegally made substances make misuse and accidental overdose even greater. Illegally made opioids are made without regulation, quality control, or sanitation, causing more unintentional use and overdoses.
Non-fatal opioid overdose emergencies climbed
0 %
Source: MDH
0 %
of overdoses in the US were caused by synthetic opioids in 2022
Source: NIH Overdose Rates
Opioid overdoses climbed
0 %

in 2022

Source: MDH Xylazine
As the landscape changes, resources do, too. Find resources that can help you or a loved one in dealing with substance abuse.
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