This guide features information and resources you can use to protect your loved ones from the threat of opioid addiction. Decades of over-prescription, along with wide-spread misconceptions about drug addiction, have led to a shocking rise in overdose deaths. The devastation is pervasive, leaving families of every type and communities of every size grieving and searching for answers in the wake.1
Will misuse opiates for the first time, with/or without a prescription.
The number of Americans that will die from an opioid related overdose.
The number of Americans expected to use Heroin for the first time.
The number of Americans that are currently addicted to Heroin.
will die as result of a synthetic opioid overdose. Opioids are now responsible for taking more lives than guns or car accidents in the U.S.
Children may unknowingly ingest pain medication, and very easily overdose. The number of children in foster care has risen sharply alongside the number of overdose deaths.6
Not only is the use of Rx Opioids among adolescents high, 7 out of 10 of those surveyed also combined opioids with other substances, such as alcohol, which increases the risk of overdose.7
A 2016 study by the VA found that 68,000 veterans are currently addicted to opiate pain medication. The opioid crisis continues to impact even the strongest among us.
If someone you care about displays any of the following symptoms, they may be addicted:
Quality Treatment & Support
More info at drugabuse.gov
(Scroll to view all)
There are no safe opiates.
Brand and generic drug names may create confusion. Do you know what's in your medicine cabinet?
Oxycodone is the generic name for the semisynthetic opiate derived from thebaine, an opioid alkaline(salt). This powerful drug is responsible for thousands of accidental deaths, typically resulting from the intentional breach of it's extended release coating.
Common Brand Names for OxycodoneDerived from Codeine, Hydrocodone, or dihydrocodeinone, is the generic name for this commonly prescribed semi-synthetic opiate. This drug is available as a generic and is also marketed under a wide array of brand names, which usually include some combination of additional medications, such as the anti-inflammatory foods Acetaminophen.
Common Brand Names for HydrocodoneThe synthetic Fentanyl (aka Fentanil), is a highly potent Opioid which closely mimics the morphine molecule. It can be anywhere from 50-1000% more powerful than morphine. You read that correctly: One-thousand percent. This drug was originally approved by the FDA as a patch, it is now available orally as lollipops and sprays as well as typical pill form, which have likely contributed to it's appeal as a recreational drug, thereby leading to steep rise in Fentanil related deaths.
Common Brand Names for FentanylWidely prescribed as a cough medicine, usually as a prescription syrup, Codeine is a naturally occuring compound found in opium. The FDA now restricts the use of codeine in pediatric patients, as children 12 appear to suffer an increased risk for the drugs adverse side-effects, particularly slow or difficult breathing and death.
Common Brand Names for CodeineThe naturally occuring morphine molecule, has been in use since the early 19th century. In addition to presenting the dangerous side effects typical of all opioids: strong physical and emotional addiction, respiratory depression leading to death, Morphine is also used to make Heroin.
Responsible for a majority of opioid overdose death's in the U.S., Heroin is a Schedule 1 Narcotic, with no accepted medical use. Heroin use continues to rise alongside prescription opioid use, which has led many experts to the conclusion the opiate derived medications can act as gateway to more destructive drugs.
The dangers of HeroinNever leave unused opioids in an unsecured location such as an unlocked medicine cabinet. Dispose of unused/expired medication by following these DEA recommendations:
Thank you for reading our Opioid Crisis Guide. We hope that the information you learned will help you effectively communicate the dangers of these drugs with your family and friends. Please share it! With your help, we can make a real difference in our homes, schools, and communities.
With your help, we can raise awareness on this growing crisis, encourage communication and support. Sterling Lawyers, LLC is a family law firm dedicated to building strong families. Together we can make a difference in our communities.
HELP EDUCATE OTHERS AND SHARE THIS GUIDE!