Substance use disorders impact the lives of millions of Americans. More than 100,000 people died from drug overdoses from April 2020 to 2021, an increase of 28.5% from the prior year, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
An opioid overdose can occur for a variety of reasons, including:
- When a person overdoses on an illicit opioid drug such as heroin or morphine
- When a person overdoses on a medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT), many of which are controlled substances that have the potential for misuse. This can occur when someone accidentally takes an extra dose, deliberately misuses a prescription opioid, or mixes opioids with other medications, alcohol, or over-the-counter medications. An overdose can be fatal when mixing an opioid and anxiety treatment medications, including derivatives of Benzodiazepine, such as Xanax or valium.
- When a person misuses an opioid-based pain medication, using not as prescribed by their physician or one prescribed for someone else. Children are particularly vulnerable to accidental overdoses if they take medication not intended for them.
Preventing Opioid Overdose
Opioid overdose can occur even with prescription opioid pain relievers and medications used in MAT such as methadone and buprenorphine. In addition, individuals using naltrexone for MAT have a reduced tolerance to opioids, and therefore, using the same, or even lower doses of opioids used in the past, can cause life-threating consequences.
Always follow the instructions you receive with your medication. Ask your practitioner or pharmacist if you have questions or are unsure of how to take your medication.
The following tips can help you or a loved one avoid opioid overdose:
- Take medicine as prescribed by your practitioner
- Do not take more medication or take it more often than instructed
- Never mix pain medicines with alcohol, sleeping pills, or illicit substances
- Never take anyone else medication
- Prevent children and pets from accidental ingestion by storing your medication out or reach. For more information, visit CDC’s Up and Away