Frequently Asked Questions About Opioids

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a problematic pattern of opioid use that leads to serious impairment or distress. It is also known as “opioid abuse or dependence” or “opioid addiction.”

Learn More about OUD from the CDC

Learn More about OUD from PCSS

Some commonly known opioid drugs include:

• Fentanyl
• Heroin
• Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
• Methadone
• Morphine
• Oxycodone (OxyContin)

Oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), morphine, and methadone are usually prescribed by doctors to treat moderate to severe pain, but they can have serious risks and side effects.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is more powerful than other opioids, and it is used for treating severe pain. There are two types of fentanyl. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed by doctors for treating severe pain, but it can have serious risks and side effects. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is a type of fentanyl that is mixed with other drugs such as heroin, and it is distributed through illegal drug markets. Heroin is an illegal and highly addictive opioid.

Learn More About Opioids from the CDC

Learn More About Overdoses from the CDC

Learn More About Opioids from the NIDA

Visit any one of these organizations to find a support group in your area.

Narcotics Anonymous

SMART Recovery

Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous (MARA)

Celebrate Recovery

You can find educational materials on our Educational Resources page. There you will find a beneficial list of national websites that also offer educational materials.

You can find educational materials at any of the national websites or check out our educational resources section

There are many alternatives to pain management with fewer risks and side effects. These include:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol®)
• Ibuprofen (Advil®)
• Topical ointments (lidocaine, for example)
• Exercise therapy, including physical therapy
• Interventional therapies (injections)
• Exercise and weight loss
• Medications for depression or seizures
  • Some anti-depressants and anti-seizure medications have been shown to relieve chronic pain
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
  • A psychological, goal-directed approach in which patients learn how to alter physical, behavioral, and emotional responses to pain and stress
• Other therapies, such as acupuncture and massage

Learn more about pain management

• Pour medicine into a sealable plastic bag.
• If the medicine is a solid, add a small amount of water to dissolve it.
• Add any undesirable substance (such as dirt, coffee grounds or kitty litter) to the liquid medicine in the plastic bag.
• Seal the bag and immediately dispose of it in the trash.
• Use a marker to black out any personal contact information on the empty medicine container prior to recycling or disposing of it in the trash.

There is no cost to use North Georgia OPEN’s services. For services outside of North Georgia OPEN (treatment centers, trainings, etc.), there may be costs.