Speak Out
Talk to your doctor and ask some simple questions.
Start the Conversation
You can take a more active role in your health care. Start by asking more questions when your doctor or dentist prescribes painkillers.
Don’t just listen—have a conversation.
Before you take an opioid, take a moment to ask your doctor or dentist these five questions:
- Am I at risk for addiction?
- Will something else work?
- How long will I be taking them?
- Are you prescribing the lowest possible dose?
- What’s the plan to taper me off?
Take part in your health care by knowing the benefits and dangers of opioids. While doctors and dentists don’t want to see their patients become addicted, many are not trained in addiction or pain management.
If you and your healthcare provider determine that the benefits outweigh the risks of taking opioid(s), Virginia law allows you to ask the pharmacist to partially fill your opioid prescription. You can get the rest later if you need it.
Did you know opioid addiction is a disease? Read below to learn more.
OPIOID ADDICTION IS A DISEASE
Addiction, also called opioid use disorder, is a serious medical condition. It is a chronic, relapsing brain disease with symptoms that include compulsive seeking and use of the drug, despite harmful consequences.
It is considered a brain disease because drugs change the brain; they change its structure and how it works. These brain changes can be long-lasting and can lead to many harmful, often self-destructive, behaviors.
While the initial decision to use drugs is mostly voluntary, addiction can take over and impair a person’s ability to use self-control.
Brain-imaging studies from people addicted to drugs show physical changes in areas of the brain that are critical for judgment, decision making, learning, memory and behavior control. Scientists believe these changes affect the way the brain works and may help explain the compulsive and destructive behaviors of someone with substance use disorder.
Be part of the solution
Virginia has community coalitions locally and throughout the state that coordinate volunteer efforts to help prevent opioid addiction.
Coalitions support engagement around health issues and encourage enthusiastic adults and youth to join in facilitating positive change in our communities.
Loudoun
Fairfax-Falls Church
Alexandria City
Arlington
Prince William
You can help reduce the stigma and reverse harmful stereotypes associated with opioid use disorder by using person first language.
It’s not about being sensitive, or polite or politically correct. It’s about remembering that each of us is a person first and no one wants to be defined based on any medical disorder they may have.
“Protest any labels that turn people into things. Words are important. If you want to care for something, you call it a ‘flower;’ if you want to kill something, you call it a ‘weed’”.
– William L. White