Are Opioids Safe?
Imagine you’ve just had a medical or dental procedure, and on your way out, you’re presented with a prescription for an opioid? Do you take it—even for a brief period?
Prescription opioids are highly addictive. They can help manage short-term pain after a surgery or injury, but they may not work as well to manage chronic pain long-term. Plus, after taking opioids for just five days, the likelihood of developing a dependency increases significantly, along with the risk of addiction or overdose.
If opioids are still the best course of treatment for your pain, then follow these guidelines:
- Always take your medication exactly as instructed by your doctor
- Never share your opioids with others
- Avoid alcohol and certain drugs that may interact with your opioids
- Review your medication list with your doctor or pharmacist
- Follow up regularly with your doctor
- Store opioids in a secure place and lock them up, if possible
Get Support Today
If you or someone you know is in crisis, dial 988 or contact the CareFirst support line at 800-245-7013 for more information or to make an appointment.
You can also view available treatment facilities or access a list of opioid treatment providers and pain management specialists.