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    Opioids/Pain Meds

     Opioids include prescription painkillers like oxycodone and hydrocodone, as well as illegal drugs like heroin. What many parents don't realize is that the path from one to the other can start with something as routine as a sports injury or wisdom teeth removal.  These drugs are more powerful and often deadly, especially when fentanyl is involved. 

     

    West Michigan youth data shows: 

    3% of high school students report misusing prescription painkillers in the past 30 days 

    25% of students believe it's NOT risky to use prescription drug without a prescription

    45% of people who misused pain relievers in the past year obtained it from a friend of relative (2021 National Survey on Drug and Health) 

     

    Street Names

    Smack SnowballSnowOxy  BoyPrecsVike  Tranq  Blues  

    BananasChill PillsTrammies  

     School Busses   OC  Roxy

    Pain image 1

    What are Opioids?

    Opioids are a class of drugs used to relieve pain.  They can be made from the opium poppy or created synthetically in labs.  When used exactly as prescribed, they can help manage short-term pain.  Teens may misuse prescription opioids by taking too many, using someone else's medication, or crushing and snorting pills for a faster effect.  

     

    Common opioids include: 

    • Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet)
    • Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
    • Codeine
    • Morphine
    • Heroin (an illegal street opioid)
    • Fentanyl (a synthetic opioid.  This can also be found in counterfeit pills) 

     

    Trending Drugs Opiods fast Facts

    Why it Matters for Teens

    The teen brain is especially vulnerable to addiction.  Opioids don't just dull pain, they trigger intense feelings of euphoria.  Misuse can lead to: 

     

    • Slowed breathing and heart rate
    • Nausea, confusion and drowsiness
    • Withdrawal symptoms (even with short or infrequent use)  
    • Increased risk of overdose and death 


    Studies show that:

    • Pills shared casually with friend may be counterfeit without anyone knowing
    • Fentanyl is now estimated to be present in 60% of counterfeit pills
    • Heroin use often begins with the misuse of legal opioids
    • Counterfeit pills that look like prescription meds may contain lethal doses of Fentanyl
    Trending Drugs Opiods Mythbuster

    Common Myths, BUSTED

    MYTH "Prescription pills are safe if a doctor gave them."

       Science Says: They are safer when used exactly as prescribed-everyone should be aware of the risk/side effects of each prescribed drug included with the prescription Risk increase if misused or not taken as intended. 

    MYTH: "My teen would never touch heroin."

       Science Says: 80% of heroin users started by misusing prescription medications. Most heroin users began with medication/street drugs before using heroin. 

    MYTH: "You can tell if a pill is real."  

       Science Says: Even now, counterfeit pills can look identical to real ones.  A single pill can contain enough fentanyl to stop breathing within minutes. 

    MYTH: "If they are in pain, they need something strong."

        Science Says:  There are many safe options for managing pain.  Ask your doctor for different options! 

    A: Ask the doctor if you can try over the counter medications or for other suggestions to manage their pain before a prescription pain medicine is offered.

    A: Youth can access prescription and counterfeit meds from their friends, from unlocked cabinets, and by purchasing them online. It’s a good idea to talk to your kids about not taking any medicines unless prescribed by their doctor.

    A: It is defined as taking a medication in a manner or dose other than prescribed, taking someone else’s prescription, or taking medication to get high.

    A:
    • Make sure your medications are not accessible to your youth by locking them up or safely disposing of unwanted/unused/ expired medications. Most police departments and many larger pharmacies have a medication disposal box available. 
    • Talk to your family about this issue.
    • Model good medication habits.

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