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Get the facts about opioids

Opioids can be prescribed to reduce pain, but they come with risks and side effects you should know about.

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What are opioids?

Prescription opioids are a type of medication doctors use to help people manage pain. Chronic pain patients are often prescribed opioids. They can also be prescribed to someone experiencing acute pain from an injury or surgery. Prescription opioids include oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet), hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine, and morphine.

These medications work by blocking pain signals sent from the body to the brain. They can be effective as part of a pain management plan and are generally safe when taken as prescribed for a short time. But they have risks and side effects to consider. 

 

If you or a loved one has been injured or is having surgery, creating a pain management plan with your doctor can help you recover.

If an opioid prescription is part of the plan, talk to your doctor about opioid side effects and risks. You can take steps to keep yourself and those around you safe.

  • Get the lowest dose for the shortest time. That way you get pain relief without having leftover pills in your home.
  • Never share your prescriptions with others or take someone’s leftover medications if they offer. Nearly half of people misusing prescription pain relievers, including opioids, get them from a friend or family member.
  • Don’t keep medications “just in case.” Washington state has many safe disposal locations for you to take your unwanted, unused, or expired medications. Find a location near you. 
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When it comes to pain management, you have options. Opioid alternatives like over-the-counter medication, physical therapy, and meditation are highly effective at reducing pain. 

Risks

Opioids are addictive

They can negatively affect the reward center in the brain and create dependency. Certain risk factors for opioid use disorder, such as a history of substance misuse or mental health conditions, may increase the likelihood of addiction.

High doses can cause overdose

When misused, opioids can slow down breathing so much that a person can’t get enough oxygen. This can lead to brain damage, coma, or death. Learn the signs.

Withdrawal symptoms are possible

Mild withdrawal symptoms are possible after just one month of daily opioid medication use — even when taken as prescribed. Withdrawal symptoms can include irritability, sweating, aches, and chills.

Side effects of opioids

Common side effects

  • Sleepiness
  • Nausea
  • Constipation
  • Headache
  • Dizziness

Serious side effects

  • Shallow breathing
  • Slowed heart rate
  • Low blood pressure
  • Loss of consciousness

Signs of an opioid overdose

When prescription opioids are taken properly for a short period of time, an overdose is unlikely. But anyone with an opioid prescription in the home should know the signs.

A person may be overdosing if:

  • They can’t wake up. Even when you call their name or shake them firmly.
  • They are breathing very slowly or not at all.
  • They are turning blue, gray, or purple. Check around their lips and fingernails.
  • They look ashen or feel cold to the touch. 
 

Responding to an overdose

An overdose happens when opioid levels are too high in a person’s body, causing them to lose consciousness and stop breathing. When someone is overdosing, they can’t help themselves.

They need someone to step in and help. 

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Call 911

If the person is unresponsive, not breathing, and/or turning blue or gray, call 911 immediately. 

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Give naloxone

Naloxone (Narcan) is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. Give one dose every 2 – 3 minutes until their breathing returns to normal. Learn more about naloxone(Opens in a new tab/window).

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Perform rescue breaths

After you give the first dose of naloxone, provide one rescue breath every five seconds. Tip their chin up before you start, and check that their chest rises and falls with each breath you give. 

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Stay until help arrives

When the person wakes up, they’ll need medical attention. Stay with them until first responders arrive.

 
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Opioid misuse treatment

If you’re worried that you or someone you care about is misusing opioids or struggling with addiction, you are not alone. People and programs across Washington state are there to help. There is always hope.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline(Opens in a new tab/window): If someone is facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just needs someone to talk to, 988 Lifeline counselors can help. Call, text, or chat the 988 Lifeline. It’s free and confidential.

Native and Strong Lifeline(Opens in a new tab/window): Call the 988 Lifeline and press 4 to reach the Native and Strong Lifeline. It is fully staffed and operated by Native people. When you call, you’ll talk to a Native crisis counselor.

Washington Recovery Help Line(Opens in a new tab/window): Call 1-866-789-1511 to speak with a specialist about substance use disorder and to get connected to local treatment options and support. The free service is available 24 hours a day, every day.

Treatment provider locator(Opens in a new tab/window): The first step in recovery from substance use disorder is meeting with a treatment provider. Find one near you.

MOUD resources(Opens in a new tab/window): Medications for opioid use disorders (MOUD) can play a big role in recovery. Learn about MOUD and options for treatment. 

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