{“questions”:{“aa9iw”:{“id”:”aa9iw”,”title”:”On number of overdoses in youth”,”imageCredit”:””,”image”:””,”imageId”:””,”frontDesc”:”Did you know \u2026″,”frontBgColor”:”#4a4f9b”,”frontFontColor”:””,”backImageCredit”:””,”backImage”:””,”backImageId”:””,”desc”:”There were 208,000 opioid overdoses of youth under 18 from 2005-2018 ? (Emory University School of Medicine Study)”,”backBgColor”:”#a30098″,”backFontColor”:””},”b0zc7″:{“id”:”b0zc7″,”title”:”On overdoses in preschoolers”,”imageCredit”:””,”image”:””,”imageId”:””,”frontDesc”:”Did you know \u2026″,”frontBgColor”:”#509ba2″,”frontFontColor”:””,”backImageCredit”:””,”backImage”:””,”backImageId”:””,”desc”:”That 106,080 of the youth opioid overdoses between 2005-2018 were preschoolers who got into prescription pain pills? (Emory University School of Medicine Study)”,”backBgColor”:”#a30098″,”backFontColor”:””},”sezx4″:{“id”:”sezx4″,”title”:”On trauma and IV drug use”,”imageCredit”:””,”image”:””,”imageId”:””,”frontDesc”:”Did you know \u2026″,”frontBgColor”:”#f37b1f”,”frontFontColor”:””,”backImageCredit”:””,”backImage”:””,”backImageId”:””,”desc”:”That across the population, 78% of IV drug use is attributable to Adverse Childhood Experiences or ACEs? (ACE Interface Training)”,”backBgColor”:”#a30098″,”backFontColor”:””},”334xa”:{“id”:”334xa”,”title”:”On trauma and painkiller abuse”,”imageCredit”:””,”image”:””,”imageId”:””,”frontDesc”:”Did you know \u2026″,”frontBgColor”:”#2ca155″,”frontFontColor”:””,”backImageCredit”:””,”backImage”:””,”backImageId”:””,”desc”:”That across the population 54% using painkillers to get high is attributable to Adverse Childhood Experiences or ACEs? (ACE Interface Training)”,”backBgColor”:”#a30098″,”backFontColor”:””},”6ttwv”:{“id”:”6ttwv”,”title”:”On overdose deaths annually”,”imageCredit”:””,”image”:””,”imageId”:””,”frontDesc”:”Did you know \u2026″,”frontBgColor”:”#91267d”,”frontFontColor”:””,”backImageCredit”:””,”backImage”:””,”backImageId”:””,”desc”:”There were 68,557 drug overdose deaths in the US in 2018. (Center for Disease Control)”,”backBgColor”:”#a30098″,”backFontColor”:””},”ufctf”:{“id”:”ufctf”,”title”:”On overdose deaths daily”,”imageCredit”:””,”image”:””,”imageId”:””,”frontDesc”:”Did you know \u2026″,”frontBgColor”:”#fee617″,”frontFontColor”:”#000000″,”backImageCredit”:””,”backImage”:””,”backImageId”:””,”desc”:”There are 192 overdose deaths in the US every day. (Center for Disease Control)”,”backBgColor”:”#a30098″,”backFontColor”:””}}}
{“questions”:{“1cmba”:{“id”:”1cmba”,”mediaType”:”image”,”answerType”:”text”,”imageCredit”:””,”image”:”https:\/\/nwprevention.org\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/1.png”,”imageId”:”2005″,”video”:””,”imagePlaceholder”:””,”imagePlaceholderId”:””,”title”:”What\u2019s an opioid?”,”desc”:”
Opioids are drugs that mask pain.<\/strong> They do this by reducing the brain\u2019s ability to perceive pain signals.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Since opioids are so effective at doing their job, they\u2019re commonly prescribed in cases of moderate-to-severe pain. The body sends a message to the brain that it\u2019s hurting, but an opiate temporarily keeps the message from getting through. For the most part, opioids do a great job in this respect. The downside is that they can have other side effects users may find enjoyable \u2014 like euphoria, extreme happiness, or a release from anxiety. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Opioids come with a high risk of developing a substance use disorder.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Prescription opioids are most often prescribed <\/p>\r\n
- \r\n
- post-surgery,<\/li>\r\n
- after an injury, or<\/li>\r\n
- for serious ongoing health conditions like cancer.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n
Despite serious health risks to the community (and a startling lack of evidence about long-term effectiveness), there\u2019s been a dramatic increase in the acceptance and use of prescription opioids to treat non-cancer pain. Conditions like osteoarthritis and chronic back pain are prime examples of this.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Adderall is a prescription amphetamine, and it works as a stimulant.<\/strong> A stimulant has the opposite effect on the nervous system from an opiate. It works to elevate a user\u2019s blood pressure, increase alertness, and speed up the heart rate. Stimulant misuse can cause extreme restlessness and agitation. So does withdrawal.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While Adderall benefits many, it also has the potential for developing a substance use disorder.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Oxycodone<\/a>, Percocet<\/a>, and heroin<\/a> are all opioids. <\/p>\r\n”,”hint”:””,”answers”:{“g6gdr”:{“id”:”g6gdr”,”image”:””,”imageId”:””,”title”:”Percocet”},”ninkl”:{“id”:”ninkl”,”image”:””,”imageId”:””,”title”:”Adderall”,”isCorrect”:”1″},”yewvu”:{“id”:”yewvu”,”image”:””,”imageId”:””,”title”:”Oxycodone”},”p4xnk”:{“id”:”p4xnk”,”image”:””,”imageId”:””,”title”:”Heroin”}}},”b4y0s”:{“id”:”b4y0s”,”mediaType”:”image”,”answerType”:”text”,”imageCredit”:””,”image”:”https:\/\/nwprevention.org\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/3.png”,”imageId”:”2007″,”video”:””,”imagePlaceholder”:””,”imagePlaceholderId”:””,”title”:”Which of these is true about people with a substance use disorder?”,”desc”:”
Most medical associations<\/strong>, including the American Medical Association<\/a> and the American Society of Addiction Medicine<\/a>, define substance use disorder as a disease.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n
Diseases most of us are familiar with are things like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. We know that a combination of factors causes each of those:<\/p>\r\n
Behavioral<\/strong>
<\/strong>How did the person who got sick live pre-illness? Did they eat well, get enough sleep, and exercise?<\/p>\r\nEnvironmental<\/strong>
Did they have access to good food, shelter in a safe environment, and basic medical care?<\/p>\r\nBiological<\/strong>
<\/strong>What is their family makeup and medical history? Are they genetically predisposed to being sick?\u00a0<\/p>\r\nSubstance use disorders don’t differ from any other disease. Behavioral, environmental, and biological factors come into play. Genetic risk factors only account for about half the odds of someone developing a substance use disorder.<\/p>\r\n
Early decisions to use drugs typically reflect an active choice on the user\u2019s part. The brain of someone with a substance use disorder doesn\u2019t allow the luxury of choice, though. Substance use disorder changes the way a user\u2019s brain and body functions.<\/p>\r\n
Untreated substance use disorder often leads to other health problems \u2014 both mental and physical \u2014 that get worse without attention. Long-term substance use disorders can be severe, disabling, and life-threatening.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
Just like other chronic diseases, a substance use disorder may involve cycles of remission and relapse. Substance use disorders are progressive, and can lead to disability or premature death. It\u2019s a disease that causes the sufferer to pursue the substance that rewards the brain and brings relief no matter what.<\/em>
If that substance doesn\u2019t show up, everything goes haywire. Biological, psychological, social, emotional, and spiritual systems are impaired until the person with a substance use disorder can either beat the craving or satisfy it.<\/p>\r\nSubstance use disorders shows themselves via<\/p>\r\n
- \r\n\t
- the inability to consistently abstain,<\/li>\r\n\t
- issues with behavior control,<\/li>\r\n\t
- overwhelming cravings,<\/li>\r\n\t
- little self-awareness,<\/li>\r\n\t
- ongoing use despite negative results,<\/li>\r\n\t
- rocky relationships, and,<\/li>\r\n\t
- irregular emotional responses.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
<\/p>“,”hint”:””,”answers”:{“onf0o”:{“id”:”onf0o”,”image”:””,”imageId”:””,”title”:”They lack morals”},”v1s6g”:{“id”:”v1s6g”,”image”:””,”imageId”:””,”title”:”They can\u2019t recover”},”6cg2a”:{“id”:”6cg2a”,”image”:””,”imageId”:””,”title”:”They have a disease”,”isCorrect”:”1″},”7msck”:{“id”:”7msck”,”image”:””,”imageId”:””,”title”:”They are weak-willed”}}},”jf5it”:{“id”:”jf5it”,”mediaType”:”image”,”answerType”:”text”,”imageCredit”:””,”image”:”https:\/\/nwprevention.org\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/4.png”,”imageId”:”2008″,”video”:””,”imagePlaceholder”:””,”imagePlaceholderId”:””,”title”:”Which of the following is NOT a sign of opioid use?”,”desc”:””,”hint”:”Out of all the signs<\/strong> to look for, one of the most obvious and reliable is pinpoint pupils.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n
Pupil constriction is a common side effect of medication. Small pupils in normal levels of lighting could indicate narcotic misuse.<\/p>\r\n
(For reference, the average adult pupil measures 2\u20134 mm in bright light and about 4\u20138 mm in the dark.)<\/p>\r\n
<\/p>“,”answers”:{“vhofb”:{“id”:”vhofb”,”image”:””,”imageId”:””,”title”:”Dilated pupils”,”isCorrect”:”1″},”zgrs1″:{“id”:”zgrs1″,”image”:””,”imageId”:””,”title”:”Slurred speech”},”smj54″:{“id”:”smj54″,”image”:””,”imageId”:””,”title”:”Trouble staying awake”},”vzw7b”:{“id”:”vzw7b”,”image”:””,”imageId”:””,”title”:”Difficulty concentrating”}}},”fopcg”:{“id”:”fopcg”,”mediaType”:”image”,”answerType”:”text”,”imageCredit”:””,”image”:”https:\/\/nwprevention.org\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/5.png”,”imageId”:”2009″,”video”:””,”imagePlaceholder”:””,”imagePlaceholderId”:””,”title”:”Which is a sign of opioid overdose?”,”desc”:”Opioid overdose causes a condition called cyanosis where the fingers and lips turn blue.<\/strong> Cyanosis happens when a victim loses the drive to breathe and oxygen levels in the blood drop dangerously low.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
If oxygen starvation continues, it eventually stops other vital organs like the heart and the brain, which leads to unconsciousness. Within 3\u20135 minutes without oxygen, brain damage begins, followed by coma and death.<\/p>\r\n
With opioid overdoses, surviving or dying depends wholly on breathing and oxygen.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
Opioids are known as depressants because they inhibit the central nervous system. In an overdose situation, the body goes overboard on suppressing the central nervous system. Everything slows way, way down: breathing, heartbeat, awareness. The body has the potential to relax itself right into death.
There\u2019s also potential for Toxic Brain Injury.<\/p>\r\nFentanyl is 25\u201350 times more potent than heroin.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n
Pharmaceutical fentanyl was developed as a pain-management patch for cancer patients. Word got out that it\u2019s the strongest opioid out there, so now fentanyl is often diverted for street use. Much of the fentanyl being used on the street is manufactured in China and sent to the US as a street drug, it is not the fentanyl that is used in hospitals.<\/p>\r\n
Dealers add it to heroin to bump its potency, or to con buyers into thinking they\u2019re getting a purer grade of heroin. Users don\u2019t know they\u2019re getting product laced with fentanyl. As a result, fentanyl-related deaths are on the rise.<\/p>\r\n
NARCAN<\/strong>\u00ae<\/strong>\u00a0is<\/strong>a medication that can temporarily stop or reverse the effects of an opioid or heroin overdose.<\/strong> It\u2019s the FDA-approved nasal spray version of naloxone hydrochloride, is approved for use in adults and children, and is easily administered.<\/p>\r\n
Most accidental overdoses occur in a home setting. NARCAN<\/strong>\u00ae <\/strong>was developed with that in mind, and specifically for situations where little to no medical training exists. Friends, family, and caregivers can deliver life-saving treatment while waiting for first responders.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
An opioid can make your brain and body believe the drug is necessary for survival. As your body becomes accustomed to the dose you\u2019ve been prescribed,\u00a0it \u2018learns\u2019 to make the pain signal louder. You may find that you need even more medication to relieve the pain or achieve well-being,\u00a0which can lead to dependency.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
Opioids change the chemistry of the brain. Taking them over a long period of time produces dependence, so that when you stop using, you experience physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
Dependence and substance use disorders aren\u2019t the same thing.<\/em> Everyone who takes opioids for an extended period will become dependent, while only a small percentage also experience the compulsive, continuing need for the drug that equals a substance use disorder.<\/p>“,”hint”:””,”answers”:{“d71pw”:{“id”:”d71pw”,”image”:””,”imageId”:””,”title”:”True”,”isCorrect”:”1″},”i5fn6″:{“id”:”i5fn6″,”image”:””,”imageId”:””,”title”:”False”}}},”ghrgu”:{“id”:”ghrgu”,”mediaType”:”image”,”answerType”:”text”,”imageCredit”:””,”image”:”https:\/\/nwprevention.org\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/9.png”,”imageId”:”2013″,”video”:””,”imagePlaceholder”:””,”imagePlaceholderId”:””,”title”:”It\u2019s perfectly legal to share your opiate prescription with someone else.”,”desc”:”Of course not. Your prescriptions are only for you, especially the ones that are controlled substances.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
Federal and state law prohibits the sharing of controlled substances<\/strong> (which is what opioids are).<\/p>\r\n
(a)Schedule II substances<\/strong><\/p>\r\n
Except when dispensed directly by a practitioner, other than a pharmacist, to an\u00a0ultimate user, no\u00a0controlled substance\u00a0in schedule II, which is a prescription drug as determined under the\u00a0Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act\u00a0[21 U.S.C. 301\u00a0et seq.], may be dispensed without the written prescription of a practitioner,\u00a0except that in emergency situations, as prescribed by the secretary by regulation after consultation with the Attorney General, such drug may be dispensed upon oral prescription in accordance with section 503(b) of that Act [21 U.S.C. 353(b)]. Prescriptions shall be retained in conformity with the requirements of\u00a0section 827 of this title. No prescription for a controlled substancein schedule II may be refilled.<\/p>\r\n
Most people \u2014 adolescent <\/strong>and<\/em><\/strong> adult \u2014 admitting to recent nonmedical use of opioid medications get them via family or friends.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n
The underlying intent is usually good: A survey of people who shared their opioids found that the majority wanted to help someone manage pain.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
A study based on young, urban heroin users interviewed in 2008 and 2009 saw similar results. The study found that 86% had used opioid pain relievers recreationally or nonmedically before their IV drug use. The reported sources of those opioids?<\/p>\r\n
- \r\n\t
- family<\/li>\r\n\t
- friends<\/li>\r\n\t
- personal prescriptions<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
\r\n\t\r\n\t\tWithdrawal from opiates can occur any time long-term use is stopped or cut back.\r\n\t<\/strong>\r\n\tThat\u2019s because opioids cause physical dependence.\u00a0\r\n<\/p>\r\n
\r\n\t\r\n\t\t[SOURCE]\r\n\t<\/a>\r\n<\/p>\r\n
\r\n\tOpiate drugs like prescription painkillers and heroin can cause withdrawal symptoms within hours of the last dose. Those symptoms can last upwards of a week (sometimes longer). While unassisted withdrawal isn\u2019t typically life-threatening, it can lead to relapse.\u00a0\r\n<\/p>\r\n
\r\n\tA medical detox is supervised and can make relapse less likely. The overall goal is to implement new behaviors in place of learned substance use disorder behaviors. Things that a medical detox provides \u2014 like medication and therapy \u2014 give someone with a substance use disorder the tools and time to heal.\u00a0\r\n<\/p>\r\n
\r\n\t\r\n\t\tOne early symptom of withdrawal is insomnia.\r\n\t<\/strong>\r\n\tOther early symptoms that may also interfere with sleep include:\r\n<\/p>\r\n
- \r\n\t
- \r\n\t\tagitation\r\n\t<\/li>\r\n\t
- \r\n\t\tanxiety\r\n\t<\/li>\r\n\t
- \r\n\t\tmuscle aches\r\n\t<\/li>\r\n\t
- \r\n\t\twatery eyes\r\n\t<\/li>\r\n\t
- \r\n\t\trunny nose\r\n\t<\/li>\r\n\t
- \r\n\t\tsweating\r\n\t<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
\r\n\tLater withdrawal symptoms can include:\r\n<\/p>\r\n
- \r\n\t
- \r\n\t\tabdominal cramping\r\n\t<\/li>\r\n\t
- \r\n\t\tdiarrhea\r\n\t<\/li>\r\n\t
- \r\n\t\tdilated pupils\r\n\t<\/li>\r\n\t
- \r\n\t\tgoosebumps\r\n\t<\/li>\r\n\t
- \r\n\t\tnausea\r\n\t<\/li>\r\n\t
- \r\n\t\tvomiting\r\n\t<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
\r\n\t\r\n\t\t[SOURCE]\r\n\t<\/a>\r\n<\/p>\r\n
\r\n\tOther symptoms include depression, persistent anxiety, and opiate cravings.\r\n<\/p>\r\n
\r\n\t\r\n\t\tDrug Take Back Day events provide the opportunity for Americans to get rid of expired or unneeded prescription drugs.\r\n\t<\/strong>\r\n<\/p>\r\n
\r\n\tThey also serve as an opportunity to prevent substance use disorders and overdose deaths.\u00a0\r\n<\/p>\r\n
\r\n\t\r\n\t\t[SOURCE]\r\n\t<\/a>\r\n<\/p>\r\n
\r\n\tDrug Take Back Days benefit the environment, too. Using sinks and toilets to get rid of medications can contaminate our groundwater and waterways. Wastewater treatment plants can\u2019t remove lots of the compounds found in medications. When meds get flushed or put in a landfill, the drugs that become part of the environment get consumed by fish and wildlife.\r\n<\/p>\r\n
\r\n\tIt\u2019s crucial to public safety to dispose of prescriptions and expired over-the-counter drugs in a responsible way. The easiest way to do that is a local take-back event.\r\n<\/p>\r\n
\r\n\t\r\n\t\tEven regulated use of opiates can shift into misuse.\r\n\t<\/strong>\r\n\tHaving a prescription for an opioid doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s less addictive or that you aren\u2019t at risk for developing a substance use disorder.\u00a0\r\n<\/p>\r\n
\r\n\tOpioid misuse can escalate\r\n\t\r\n\t\tfast\r\n\t<\/em>\r\n\t. That\u2019s because opiates are appealing to the body, specifically the nervous system. They bind to opioid receptors on cells found in the brain, spinal cord, and other organs, specifically targeting those involved with feeling pain and pleasure. Then they activate those receptors. This can lead to a strong potential for a user to want to repeat the experience.\r\n<\/p>\r\n
\r\n\tIn cases of opioid use disorders, the punishment for not producing the desired substance is putting the body through withdrawal symptoms. Some of them are brutal. The intense, focused craving for more opioids is one of the worst aspects, weaving itself through and around everything.\r\n<\/p>\r\n
\r\n\t\r\n\t\t[SOURCE]\r\n\t<\/a>\r\n<\/p>\r\n
\r\n\tDisturbing statistics about opioid misuse have the U.S. medical community rethinking their treatment approach. Healthcare professionals across the United States are taking active steps to slash the growth of opiate misuse. Some methods used are:\r\n<\/p>\r\n
- \r\n\t
- \r\n\t\tProviding patient education on responsible use\r\n\t<\/li>\r\n\t
- \r\n\t\tEncouraging non-opioid treatment options\r\n\t<\/li>\r\n\t
- \r\n\t\tImplementing drug-monitoring programs to watch for signs of dependence\r\n\t<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
\r\n\tAn average of two Virginians die every day from a prescription opioid or heroin overdose. That\u2019s a frightening and sobering statistic.\r\n<\/p>\r\n
\r\n\t\r\n\t\t[SOURCE]\r\n\t<\/a>\r\n<\/p>\r\n
\r\n\tIn their report on unintentional, preventable injuries, The National Safety Council tells us that for the first time in U.S. history, someone\u2019s more likely to die from accidental opioid overdose (1 out of 96) than a car wreck (1 in 103).\u00a0\r\n<\/p>\r\n
\r\n\t\r\n\t\tFive days can lead to a lifetime of struggling with an opioid use disorder.\r\n\t<\/strong>\r\n<\/p>\r\n
\r\n\tSurprised? You shouldn\u2019t be. Opioids are a class of drug that includes powerful prescription painkillers like oxycodone and hydrocodone as well as illegal drugs such as heroin and fentanyl. Using them for only five days causes a sharp increase in the likelihood for long-term use.\u00a0\r\n<\/p>\r\n
\r\n\t\r\n\t\t80% of heroin users misused prescription opioids first, according to data as early as 2011.\r\n\t<\/strong>\r\n<\/p>\r\n
\r\n\tPrescription opioid pain medicines like OxyContin\u00ae\u00a0and Vicodin\u00ae\u00a0feel similar to heroin. Research suggests that misuse of these drugs may open the door to heroin use.\u00a0\r\n<\/p>\r\n
\r\n\t\r\n\t\tIn 2017, there were 70,237 drug overdose deaths in the United States.\r\n\t<\/strong>\r\n<\/p>\r\n
\r\n\tFrom 1999 to 2017, overdose deaths more than tripled, with the most explosive period occurring from 2014 to 2017. Opioids cause 67.8% of all drug-related deaths, most of which are males.\u00a0\r\n<\/p>\r\n
\r\n\tYoung adults from 18 to 25 are the biggest misusers of prescription drugs (to include stimulants, opioid pain relievers, and anti-anxiety meds). It\u2019s a dangerous practice: In 2014, over 1,700 young adults died from prescription drug overdoses. That was more than died from any other drug,\r\n\t\r\n\t\tincluding heroin and cocaine combined.\r\n\t<\/em>\r\n<\/p>\r\n
\r\n\t\r\n\t\tEveryone has a part to play in preventing opioid misuse and addiction.\r\n\t<\/strong>\r\n<\/p>\r\n
\r\n\tEVERYONE HAS A ROLE:\r\n<\/p>\r\n
- \r\n\t
- \r\n\t\tEveryone has a role in education\r\n\t<\/li>\r\n\t
- \r\n\t\tEveryone has a role in prevention\r\n\t<\/li>\r\n\t
- \r\n\t\tEveryone has a role in recognition\r\n\t<\/li>\r\n\t
- \r\n\t\tEveryone has a role in consequences\r\n\t<\/li>\r\n\t
- \r\n\t\tEveryone has a role in compassion\r\n\t<\/li>\r\n\t
- \r\n\t\tEveryone has a role in treatment\r\n\t<\/li>\r\n\t
- \r\n\t\tEveryone has a role in support and sobriety\r\n\t<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
\r\n\tWe can ALL help fill an important role preventing opioid overdose deaths through education, partnership, and collaboration.\r\n<\/p>\r\n