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 can be accidental, or they can be the effect of misuse. From June 15, 2017 through Jan. 17, 2019, 2,325 people in Arizona died from opioid overdoses, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. 16,538 possible opioid overdoses were reported in Arizona alone.

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.

• Codeine (Tylenol #3 or #4) • Fentanyl (Duragesic, Actiq) • Hydrocodone (Vicodin,

Norco, Lortab, Lorcet) • Meperidine (Demerol) • Methadone • Morphine (MS Contin,

Kadian)

• Oxycodone (Percocet, Oxycontin)

• Oxymorphone (Opana) • Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) • Tramadol (Ultram) • Tapentadol (Nucynta)

What are some common opioids?

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.

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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. Imagine our strength when we work together.

Overdoses can be accidental or the effect of misuse.

OPIOIDS IN ARIZONA

JUNE 2017 THROUGH JAN. 2019

1,216Babies born with possible drug-related withdrawal symptoms

SUSPECTEDOPIOID OVERDOSES16,538

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, stats from June 2017 - Jan. 2019Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, stats from June 15, 2017 - Jan. 17, 2019

What to do if you see warning signs

What are the SIGNS of opioid addiction and abuse?

CARE RESOURCES

• Noticeable elation/euphoria• Marked sedation/drowsiness• Confusion• Constricted pupils• Slowed breathing• Intermittent nodding off, or loss of consciousness• Constipation

It’s important to know the signs because they may be easily overlooked at first. Watch for:

Note: These signs don’t necessarily mean someone is misusing opioids or addicted. But they are signals that may indicate a problem.

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

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

3. Let them know you’re there for them.

• Available for everyone: the national treatment finder at findtreatment.samhsa.gov

• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona members:

• Online doctor search: azblue.com/individualsandfamilies/find-a-doctor

• BlueCare Anywhere: A telehealth service available to most members. You can talk to a counselor or doctor by phone, computer, or tablet. Start at bluecareanywhereaz.com

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TOGETHER, WE CAN INSPIRE HEALTH.

Visit MobilizeAZ.com to learn more about opioid and substance misuse in Arizona, what we’re doing, our grant program, and the steps you can take.