Opioids

What Are Opioids?

According to the National Institute of  Health “opioids are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone (OxyContin®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), codeine, morphine, and many others. These drugs are chemically related and interact with opioid receptors on nerve cells in the body and brain. Opioid pain relievers are generally safe when taken for a short time and as prescribed by a doctor, but because they produce euphoria in addition to pain relief, they can be misused (taken in a different way or in a larger quantity than prescribed, or taken without a doctor’s prescription). Regular use—even as prescribed by a doctor—can lead to dependence and, when misused, opioid pain relievers can lead to overdose incidents and deaths.”Abuse of Prescription (Rx) Drugs Affects Young Adults Most | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

 
 
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Information

The NIDA website, drugabuse.gov, has information on a variety of drugs and related topics. NIDA’s teen site, teens.drugabuse.gov, has free downloads, entertaining and informative videos and games, and a blog for teens, where you can leave us a comment or two. Get the scoop on how different drugs affect the brain and body, and read real stories from teens who have struggled with drug use and addiction.

 
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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

You can find treatment programs through findtreatment.samhsa.gov provided by the SAMHSA. Also, you can call the SAMHSA Treatment Referral hotline at 1-800-662-HELP. Treatment can help you, a friend, or someone you love get back to the person you or they once were.

 

Finding Addiction Recovery and Support Services in NJ 1.844.ReachNJ (1.844.732.2465)

ReachNJ, New Jersey’s Addiction Helpline is powered by NJ 2-1-1, an information and referral service that will connect you with the addiction recovery and support services that are available throughout our state. They will provide you with details about the agencies and services in your community that help people and families who are suffering from addiction. Call to get what you need to take the next step on your road to recovery.