Opioids are a class of drugs that reduce feelings of pain. There are prescription opioids like Oxycodone and Vicodin that doctors prescribe to treat severe pain. Heroin and illegally-made fentanyl are illegal opioids. While prescription opioids have been used as painkillers, they have great potential for misuse.
Drug overdose is a nationwide crisis. Overdose deaths from opioids, including prescription opioids and heroin, have increased more than five times since 1999. An average of 115 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose. Many of these deaths are preventable.
Harm Reduction
Naloxone
Naloxone is a lifesaving drug that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose when administered in time. Pharmacists in Oregon can now prescribe Naloxone, find a pharmacy that distributes naloxone.
Syringe Exchange
Syringe exchange is a proven, effective way to reduce HIV and hepatitis C transmission. Learn more about services offered in Clackamas County.
Prescription Drug Disposal and Storage
Sharing or saving medications is a bad idea. Over 80% of misused prescriptions are obtained from someone other than a doctor. People most commonly report they got drugs from a friend or family member.
Other Resources
Help is available if you know someone struggling with addiction:
