Opioids and Opioid Addiction

Opioids are a type of narcotic pain drug that are typically used to treat acute, or short-term, pain. 

Commonly used legal opioids include: 

• Morphine 
• Fentanyl 
• Codeine 
• Hydrocodone (Vicodin®) 
• Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet) 
• Meperidine (Demerol) 
• Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)  

A common illegal opioid is heroin. 

Opioid pain drugs treat pain by attaching to the pleasure centers of the brain, creating  a feeling of happiness or well-being. The pain signals are still there, but the drug helps mask them by making the feeling of pleasure stronger than the pain. 

Over time, a person becomes dependent on the opioid. At the same time, the pleasure centers get used to the opioids and a higher dose is required (this is called drug tolerance). This physical dependency becomes addiction when using the drug interferes with a person’s daily life, job and responsibilities. 

While opioids can be taken safely to help treat acute, or short-term pain, like an injury or after a surgery, prolonged use can lead to dependence and possible misuse. 

Here are some signs that someone may be misusing opioids: 

• Changes in appearance and behavior, including how the person acts around people 
• Poor work or school performance 
• Missing work or school 
• Switching groups of friends 
• Changes in physical or behavioral health 
• Increased dangerous behavior 
• Taking opioid medicine after the injury or illness is healed 

 

Side effects of opioid dependence include: 

• Increased sensitivity to pain 
• Constipation 
• Nausea, vomiting, and dry mouth 
• Depression 
• Sleepiness and dizziness 
• Itching and sweating 
• Addiction 
• Death 

 

Symptoms of an opioid overdose include: 

• Small pupils 
• Falling asleep or loss of consciousness 
• Slow, shallow breathing 
• Choking or gurgling sounds 
• Limp body 
• Pale, blue or cold skin 

Opioid misuse is especially dangerous for teens and young adults. That’s because our brains continue to develop well into our twenties and opioid misuse can interfere with that development, making it hard to function as an adult. 

If you think your teen or adolescent is misusing opioids, discuss your concerns with their doctor. 

How Do Teens Get Opioids?

It’s easier than you think for teens to get opioids. Common sources include: 

• Their own prescriptions from an injury or surgery 
• Prescriptions of their parents or caregivers 
• Friends, or in other people’s homes 
• Friends of family members who share or sell them 
• Dealers (often fellow students) 
• Online 

While the teen death rate from drug overdoses had been declining since 2007, that rate reversed in 2015 when 772 teens 15-19 years old died nationwide. 

Four Ways to Prevent Opioid Misuse Among Teens

1. Safely dispose of old prescriptions when you are done with them. 
2. Talk to your teen about your concerns and challenges. 
3. If your teen is injured or undergoing surgery, and the doctor is recommending an opioid medication, discuss your concerns with the doctor and ask about alternatives. 
4. Be sure to keep prescription opioid medications and other closely controlled prescriptions in a located cabinet or safe in your house. 

Three things you can do to help end the epidemic: 

1. Never sell or share prescription opioids 
2. Never use someone else’s prescription opioids 
3. Store opioids in a safe, secure place 

For additional support for opioid issues, use the resources below.  

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

National Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357)

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Website

New York State HOPEline 

1-877-8-HOPENY  (1-877-846-7369) 

NYS Office of Addiction Service and Supports Website 

Vermont Department of Health 

1-802-651-1550 

Vermont Department of Health Website 

Disposal of Unused Opioids 

For the safe disposal of unused opioids, Drug Take Back programs and other support, visit the FDA’s Drug Resource Page or the CDC’s Drug Overdose page. 

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding 

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and/or breastfeeding, visit the CDC’s Treating for Two page.