The Problem

Understanding the problem is the first step in protecting yourself and others.

What is an Opioid?

opioid tabletAn opioid is a drug commonly used to treat moderate to severe pain. Opioids work by stimulating opioid receptors in the brain which reduce pain. Opioids are used in hospitals and are sometimes prescribed by doctors to help treat more severe pain and discomfort. However, research suggests over-the-counter pain medications may actually work better for treating acute pain. There are also illegal opioids, such as heroin.

  • Some common opioids include:
    Hydrocodone (Norco, Lortab, Vicodin, Zohydro)
  • Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet, Percodan, Roxicodone)
  • Morphine (MSIR, MS Contin)
  • Codeine (Tylenol #3, Phenergan with codeine)
  • Fentanyl (Duragesic, Actiq)
  • Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
  • Oxymorphone (Opana)
  • Meperidine (Demerol)
  • Tramadol (Ultram, ConZip)
  • Buprenorphine (Subutex, Suboxone, Butrans, Zubsolv)
  • Methadone (Dolophine, Methadose)

2 million Americans met criteria for opioid use disorder (addiction) based on their use of opioids in the past year (2018).*

More than 5% of Commonwealth residents (439,218) received an opioid prescription between January and March of 2020. *

Nearly 12,000 opioid prescriptions are filled every day in Virginia.*

About 32% of prescriptions filled in Virginia are for opioids (2020).*

For the first time on record, in 2014 fatal drug overdoses became the most common cause of accidental death in the Commonwealth.*

In Virginia, Oxycodone is the most common prescription opioid causing or contributing to a fatal overdose.*

Since 2007, fatal prescription (Rx) opioid overdoses have been the leading category of drugs causing or contributing to death in Virginia.*

More than 1600 people died from opioid related overdose in Northern Virginia from 2007-2019.*

More than 2,300 visits for opioid related overdoses occurred across Northern Virginia (2019).*

Don’t Add Addiction to Injury

Opioids are addictive. The longer you take opioids, the higher the risk for addiction. Prescription opioids are just as addictive as heroin.

Eighty percent of people who use heroin started with legal prescription opioids*.

80%

Over 2,300 visits for opioid related overdoses occurred across Northern Virginia (2019).

An average of 3 Virginians died of an Opioid Overdose every day (2018).

5.5% of Virginia high school students had misused prescription opioids in the past month (2019).

Opioids Can Be Overkill

Opioids are very strong prescription pain medications. Since they are addictive, they should be used carefully. Sometimes they are prescribed even though a safer medication would have worked just as well. In many cases, there are much safer and more effective alternatives to help manage pain.

Pain Management Alternatives >

WHAT OPIOID ADDICTION LOOKS LIKE:

Learning to recognize the signs and symptoms of opioid addiction is important. Signs and symptoms can be physical, behavioral, and psychological. Healthcare providers should diagnose addiction. These are some of the things to look for.

  • Taking higher doses or taking more frequently than prescribed
  • “Craving” just one more pill or refill
  • Running out of prescriptions too soon
  • Compulsively seeking and using opioids despite harmful consequences
  • Taking the opioid for its psychological effects or to feel high
  • Taking the opioid for reasons other than why it was prescribed
  • Continuously “losing” prescriptions and requesting replacements
  • Mixing pills and alcohol
  • Seeking prescriptions for more than one injury or with multiple doctors or pharmacists
  • Exhibiting abnormal behaviors, hostility, excessive mood swings or sudden personality changes
  • Withdrawing from friends, family or social activities
  • Losing appetite and extreme changes in weight
  • Neglecting responsibilities
  • Distracted, unable to focus, confused
  • Change in sleep patterns
  • Poor decision making

ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR OWN OR A LOVED ONE’S OPIOID USE?

Take a brief screening questionnaire.

It’s anonymous and confidential, and immediately following the brief questionnaire you will see your results, recommendations and key resources.

 

Screening Questionnaire >

Save a life

Register for a REVIVE! Class to learn how to get and use naloxone (NARCAN™), the antidote that reverses an opioid overdose.

– Loudoun
– Fairfax-Falls Church
– Alexandria City
– Arlington
– Prince William

Addiction is not the only risk of using opioids. To learn more, read the CDC’s Opioid Basics >

GET HELP NOW

If you or someone you know shows several of the signs above, seek help. Virginia has many treatment resources available for overcoming dependence and addiction to pain medications.

Please contact your health insurance provider or explore local services and treatment centers in Northern Virginia.

 

Local Services >