Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Opioids
There are many questions that you may have when Opioids enter your life. Here are some of the ones that are asked most often.
ARE THERE ALTERNATIVES TO OPIOIDS?
Anyone who takes prescription opioids can become addicted to them. In fact, one in four patients receiving long-term opioid therapy in a primary care setting struggle with opioid addiction.
Taking too many prescription opioids can lead to death. Prescription opioid overdose deaths also often involve alcohol and benzodiazepines. Examples of benzodiazepines include Xanax, Valium, and Ativan. Taking benzodiazepines or consuming alcohol while taking prescription opioids elevates the risk of an overdose. Avoid taking benzodiazepines while taking prescription opioids whenever possible.
WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK MY HEALTHCARE PROVIDER?
To understand the risks of prescription opioid misuse, here are good questions to ask:
- Why do I need this medication?
- Is this an opioid?
- What are the risks?
- Are there alternatives that could help me recover?
- Is this medication safe to take with my other medications?
- Is this the lowest dose possible? May I have fewer pills?
- What are the side effects of this medication?
- How should I moderate the medication?
- How should I dispose of expired medicine?
- What if I and/or my family have a history of addiction with tobacco, alcohol, or other substances?
WHAT IF MY CHILD IS PRESCRIBED AN OPIOID?
If a doctor suggests an opioid prescription for your child, it’s important you know the right questions to ask. And if your child is prescribed an opioid, be sure he or she takes the medication as intended and doesn’t share it with others.