Opt Out

Did you know there are alternatives to opioids? 

Consider your options.

Virginia Needs to break up with opioids

Most Virginians struggling with opioid addiction received their first opioid prescription to treat a short-term injury or after surgery.  To manage pain, opt out of opioids. Some of these treatments may actually work better and have fewer risks and side effects:

 

  • A combination of acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and ibuprofen (Advil®)
    Naproxen (Aleve®)
  • Physical Therapy
  • Exercise
  • Certain medications that are also used for depression or seizures
  • Interventional therapies (injections)
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
9 white pills - one broken into pieces

changing the expectation

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) now recommends opioids be reserved for cancer and end-of-life care.

Before starting any pain therapy, have a conversation with your doctor about treatment milestones, including attainable goals for pain and function.

Oftentimes, being 100 percent pain-free is not a realistic goal.

Ready to make the change?  Talk to your doctor and make sure to safely dispose of any current opioid medications.