Opioids: Facts
Wisconsin's opioid epidemic began with the overprescribing of prescription pain relievers. When these opioids became harder to get for nonmedical use, heroin use increased. Heroin was more available and cheaper. Illegally manufactured fentanyl became popular after crackdowns on prescription pain relievers and heroin. It is more potent and easier to smuggle. Today, illegally manufactured fentanyl is being mixed into the illegal drug supply. This mixing is the reason why opioid overdose deaths remain high in Wisconsin. Help the people in your life understand the risks of opioid use by getting the facts for yourself.
What are opioids?
Opioids are a class of drugs that alleviate pain and may produce a pleasurable effect on the brain and body. Opioids are used in many ways. A health care professional may prescribe them as part of a treatment plan following an injury or surgery. Opioids also may be used in nonmedical ways. Some people may use opioids to cope with painful emotions, trauma, or other life experiences.
- Prescription pain relievers: Prescription opioids include oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and methadone that relieve pain by changing the way the brain and body feel pain. They don't cure the pain, but they may help a person manage it.
- Fentanyl: Fentanyl is a very strong opioid.
- Medical or pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain. It is available as a lozenge, pill, nasal/sublingual spray, transdermal patch, or as an injection.
- Illegally manufactured fentanyl/non-pharmaceutical fentanyl is sold for its ability to produce good feelings. It is often mixed into illegal drugs and pills made to look like prescription medications.
- Heroin: Heroin is an illegal opioid. Most people who use heroin say it causes a short-term rush of good feelings. There are no medical uses for heroin. Heroin can be found in both pure form and mixed with other drugs.
Why are opioids risky?
All types of opioids are addictive. The brain and body develop a tolerance to opioids very quickly, meaning more amounts are needed to feel the same effect. This may rapidly become dependence, meaning that not taking opioids may cause severe pain and discomfort because opioids are no longer in the brain and body. This leads some people to use opioids more and more, a cycle that can lead to opioid use disorder. Opioid use disorder occurs when opioid use interferes with daily life. This may include challenges at home, at work, at school, or in relationships. Anyone who uses opioids can develop opioid use disorder. It is a chronic disease that can be managed. People who take too many opioids at one time or use any amount of opioids from an unknown source may experience an opioid overdose, which can be fatal.
The facts about fentanyl
Fentanyl is a man-made or synthetic opioid. It is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and up to 100 times stronger than morphine.
Medical or pharmaceutical fentanyl
- Produced in labs with oversight
- Packaged and labeled accurately
- Prescribed by a doctor and legal
- Used safely by many people experiencing chronic pain and cancer to alleviate serve, unrelenting pain
Illegally manufactured fentanyl
- Produced in underground labs with no oversight
- Not labeled
- No way to know exact contents or dosage
- Mixed in with other illegal drugs without people realizing it
- Found in counterfeit pills that are made to resemble prescription drugs, including prescription pain relievers, like oxycodone, and stimulants like ADDERALL®. You are at risk for a fentanyl overdose if you buy pills from any source that is not a licensed pharmacy.
- Found in cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin. You are at risk of a fentanyl overdose if you use any of these drugs.
The only way to overdose on fentanyl is through injection, snorting, ingestion, or in the case of the fentanyl patch, by mixing with a solvent and applying very large amounts over extended periods. It is not possible to overdose on fentanyl through accidental skin contact or close proximity alone.
Use drug checking technologies
Drug checking technologies provide information about what substances are in a drug supply.
Fentanyl test strips are a form of drug checking technology. They are easy to use and available for pick up at many locations across Wisconsin.
Drug checking technologies should be used on all drugs not purchased from a licensed pharmacy. Unexpected and dangerous substances may still be present in a drug supply even if it came from a trusted source.
Find drug checking technologies near you.
Carry naloxone
Naloxone is an opioid overdose reversal drug. It is available as a nasal spray or an injection. Act fast during an opioid overdose. Call 911, then give naloxone. More than one dose of naloxone may be needed.
Learn more about naloxone and where to get it near you.
Naloxone only reverses opioid effects. Mixing opioids with other drugs increases the risk of a fatal overdose.
What are the common signs of opioid use disorder?
- Unexplained changes in behavior, such as attitude, appetite, mood swings, sleep patterns, and irritability.
- Sudden changes in activities, such as friends or social activities or sudden shifts in jobs or hobbies.
Opioid use disorder is a medical condition that can affect anyone who uses opioids. Wherever you or someone you care about may be in a struggle with opioids, there are people ready to help. In Wisconsin, no one is alone in their journey to overcome opioid use disorder.
Explore treatment options for opioid use disorder.
What should you ask your health care professional before taking opioids?
Prescription pain relievers should be used with caution. Ask your health care professional these questions when getting a prescription for an opioid.
- Why do I need this drug?
- What are the most common side effects of this drug? Are there ways to minimize these effects?
- Are there ways to lower the dosage or length of time that I need this drug?
- How long should I take this opioid and how do I wean myself off this drug?
- How should I store this drug to prevent others from taking it?
- Does this opioid interact with any other drug I’m currently taking?
- Can I drink alcohol while taking this drug?
- Do any of my medical conditions increase my risk of a bad reaction to this drug?
- What should I do with leftover doses of this drug?
- Can I share this drug with someone else?
- What if I have a history of misusing drugs?
- What if there’s a history of substance use disorder in my family?
Prescription opioids are not the only option for pain management. An over-the-counter pain reliever may be enough. Other options, like acupuncture, cognitive behavioral therapy, chiropractic care, yoga, massage therapy, meditation and relaxation, and physical therapy can also help you feel better with fewer risks and side effects. Discuss these options with your health care professional to determine if they will work for you.
Drugged driving: a growing problem
Too many people in Wisconsin are using opioids, then getting behind the wheel and endangering themselves, their passengers, and other motorists. Drugged driving deaths in Wisconsin have increased nearly 200% in the last 10 years. Together, we can work to achieve zero preventable deaths due to drugged driving.
Visit Zero In Wisconsin to learn more.
Zero In Wisconsin is a campaign of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
Skip the lecture, not the conversation
You can do this. You have the facts and are ready to start having real talks with the people in your life about opioids. It’s easier than you think. We can show you how to get started.