Bite Me
That sounds alarming, but do you know what’s really alarming? The opioid crisis in Nebraska. The misuse of and addiction to opioids (from prescription pain relievers to heroin) is growing.
It’s time to learn the facts so you can protect your family, friends, and community.
What are opioids?
According to John Hopkins Medicine, opioids are a class of drugs naturally found in the opium poppy plant. They can be prescription medications referred to as “painkillers” or “street drugs” such as heroin.
Many prescription opioids are used to block pain signals between the brain and the body. In addition to pain control, opioids can make some people feel relaxed, happy, or “high,” and…can be addictive.
Doctors often prescribe opioids (OxyContin, Hydrocodone, Methadone, Codeine, and morphine) for post-surgery pain for wisdom teeth removals, tonsillectomies, and pulling a tooth — procedures your kids might need one day.
TIPS to Prevent Opioid Addiction
- Ask Questions
Start with asking your doctor questions when they prescribe opioids. Learn questions to ask and why you should ask them here. - Safely Store & Dispose
Most people who misuse painkillers get them from medicine cabinets of family and friends. Learn how to safely store and dispose of opioids here. - Test for Fentanyl
Use testing strips (FTS) to detect any fentanyl or fentanyl-analogs in drugs prior to taking them. Check back for how to access testing strips in Nebraska. - Talk About Dangers
Learn about the impact of prescription drugs on the developing brain and talk to your kids about the dangers of drugs today.
TIPS to Prevent Opioid OVERDOSE
- Call 9-1-1
If there’s any chance of an opioid or fentanyl overdose, immediately call 911 to be linked to emergency responders. - Use Narcan
Naloxone (Narcan) is a lifesaving drug that works to reverse an opioid overdose. It’s a spray given through the nose. Get Naloxone for free at certain pharmacies. - Test for Fentanyl
Use testing strips (FTS) to detect any fentanyl or fentanyl-analogs in drugs prior to taking them. Check back for how to access testing strips in Nebraska.