Prescription Opioids

Prescription opioids help with pain. They are often prescribed after a surgery or injury, or for certain health conditions. Addiction to prescription opioids can happen to anyone.

Common prescription opioids

• Hydrocodone (Vicodin®)
• Oxycodone (OxyContin®)
• Morphine
• Codeine
• Fentanyl

Misusing Prescription Opioids
Prescription opioids can make you feel very relaxed and “high.” This is one reason some people take prescription opioids when they do not need them.

Misusing prescription opioids means taking the medicine differently than your doctor instructed, or taking someone else’s medicine. Prescription opioids are very addictive. Misusing them is dangerous and can be deadly.

Prescription Opioids and Heroin
Prescription opioids and heroin have similar chemicals, so they have a similar effect or “high.” Heroin is often cheaper and easier to get than prescription opioids. This is why some people switch to heroin from prescription opioids. Heroin is a powerful and highly addictive drug that can lead to an overdose.

Treatment
Treatment can help you recover from a prescription opioid addiction. Medication-assisted treatment is one type of treatment that works. A medical professional can help decide the best treatment option for you.

Call us if you have questions or search online to find help.