Look inside for FIVE steps to prevent opioid misuse and addiction. WHAT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE EFFECTS OF OPIOIDS.

OPIOIDS CAN BE ADDICTIVE AFTER JUST FIVE DAYS.

Did you know?

MORE ABOUT THE RISKSNearly 80 percent of Americans taking heroin said they started

by misusing prescription opioids before they took heroin.*

*https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/heroin

What are the potential downsides and DANGERS of opioids?Opioids can help with pain when taken as prescribed. When misused or overused, opioids can lead to addiction and even death.

Once you are addicted, your tolerance level goes up. This means you need more of the drug to get the same effect as when you were taking less. That’s how the effects of misuse begin.

• People are tempted to take these drugs in larger amounts than prescribed. And, if they can’t get enough of their prescribed drug, some may try to steal or buy it illegally to ease their pain.

• Some may mix opioids with other drugs or alcohol to enhance the effects of the opioid. Mixing is extremely dangerous and increases the risk of death.

• Others may resort to combining prescription drugs or trying other, more dangerous drugs, such as heroin. Heroin is an illegal drug made from morphine.

Whether taking illegal drugs or a prescribed medication, anyone who takes more than what was prescribed or more than the body can safely handle risks an overdose.

Overdoses in Arizona can be accidental, or they can be the effect of misuse. 3,780 people in Arizona died from opioid overdoses between July 1, 2017 and December 31, 2019, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. During this same period, there were 34,665 suspected opioid overdoses in Arizona.

WHAT ARE OPIOIDS?Opioids are a type of drug designed to help block pain. Your doctor might prescribe an opioid to help manage your arthritis or low back pain or when you break a bone or have surgery.

WHAT ARE SOME COMMON OPIOIDS?• Codeine

Tylenol #3 or #4

• FentanylDuragesic, Actiq

• Hydrocodone Vicodin, Norco, Lortab, Lorcet

• Meperidine Demerol

• Methadone

• Morphine MS Contin, Kadian

• Oxycodone Percocet, Oxycontin

• Oxymorphone Opana

• HydromorphoneDilaudid

• TramadolUltram

• TapentadolNucynta

Five things YOU can do to prevent substance misuse:

Be honest with your doctor. Be sure your doctor knows about any alcohol and medications you are consuming. Tell your doctor when you started to use them, and how much you take.

Learn about other options. Ask your doctor about other options for pain management. Non-opioid drugs, physical therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic care are a few options to ask your doctor about that may lessen pain without the risks of addiction and overdose.

Don’t share your medications. Sharing drugs can be dangerous. You don’t know what’s in another person’s drug, or its dosage.

Stop taking your opioids if you don’t need them. You don’t need to “finish” your opioid prescription like you do with antibiotics. Keep in touch with your doctor, and take them only as long as necessary.

Turn in your old drugs. This prevents children, pets, or visitors from having access to unused and dangerous narcotics. Visit MobilizeAZ.com to find a drug take-back kiosk near you.

OPIOIDS IN ARIZONA

July 1, 2017– December 31, 2019

Fentanyl involvement in single drug opioid overdoses

INCREASED FROM 10% TObetween 2018 and 2019 16%

SUSPECTED OPIOID

34,665 OVERDOSES

1,560Babies were born with possible DRUG-RELATED WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS

3,780ARIZONANS DIED OF A SUSPECTED OPIOID OVERDOSE

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services

IMAGINE OUR STRENGTH WHEN WE WORK TOGETHER.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona is working with doctors and the healthcare community to turn the tide against opioid misuse through education, treatment, and recovery.

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What are the SIGNS of opioid addiction and abuse?It’s important to know the signs and know that they don’t necessarily mean someone is misusing opioids. They are signals that indicate there may be a problem.

MAKE THE CALL: 1-833-959-HELP (4357)No one chooses to struggle with substance use. Now there’s an easier way to choose treatment. There’s a free substance use resource center open for all Arizonans. It’s for individuals, families, and communities who want information, resources, and guidance on substance use treatment. All calls are confidential and all resources (local and national) are verified.

YOU’RE NOT ALONE. MAKE THE CALL FOR YOURSELF OR A LOVED ONE. DAY OR NIGHT.

This free resource is made possible by Blue Cross Blue Shield Companies.

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• Noticeable elation/euphoria

• Marked sedation/drowsiness

• Confusion

• Constricted pupils

• Slowed breathing

• Intermittent nodding off, or loss of consciousness

• Constipation

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SEE WARNING SIGNS

• Talk to the friend or family member you suspect is struggling with opioids. You can start the conversation by sharing this brochure.

• Encourage the person to talk with a doctor or call a helpline.

• Let them know you’re there for them.