What you need to know about prescription opioids
Opioids are powerful medicines that may be prescribed by your doctor to manage pain. Common opioid pain medicines are hydrocodone (Vicodin®) and oxycodone (Percocet®, Oxycontin®).
How can you reduce your risk for addiction and overdose?
1. Talk with your doctor.
- Ask about minimum duration and dosage, side effects and how to safely stop.
- Ask about alternatives for pain management.
2. Carry naloxone and know how to use it.
Naloxone nasal spray can reverse an overdose caused by opioids. In Vermont, anyone can get naloxone, even without a prescription. Insurers and Medicaid will cover the cost so you don't have to pay out of pocket.
- Order naloxone mailed to your home for free, or
- Get naloxone in your community through pharmacies, clinics, syringe services programs, treatment facilities and recovery centers.
Learn more about preventing and responding to an opioid overdose.
3. Safely get rid of unused and expired medication.
Drop off your unused and expired medications at a free kiosk at a location in your community or mail them to a disposal center using a free mail-back envelope. Both methods are free and confidential.
What is your risk for addiction?
Anyone can be at risk for opioid addiction.
Even if you’ve never had a personal or family history of substance misuse, you can still be at risk for prescription opioid addiction.
Prescription opioids can rewire brain chemistry, making anyone susceptible to addiction. Stay safe, learn how to properly use a prescription and spot the signs of addiction early.
Opioids affect different people in different ways, but they are highly addictive. Withdrawal symptoms can develop in as little as a few days.
Help is here for you or your loved one. VT Helplink is available by phone or chat 24 hours a day, every day.
What are the signs of developing addiction?
The signs of addiction can be easy to overlook. If you or a loved one have been prescribed an opioid medication, be mindful of changes to your habits that may be early signs of opioid use disorder.
Signs you or a loved one may be developing opioid use disorder
- Acting more irritable or moody than normal
- Changes in your sleep pattern, including sleeplessness
- Changes in your daily routine, like not wanting to do things that you normally enjoy
- Taking your prescription when you are not in pain, just in case
- Canceling plans with family and friends, not responding to calls and texts, or missing work
- Experiencing cravings and watching the clock until you can take your next pill
- Escalating use by taking more pills than your doctor instructed
Treatment & Recovery Support
VT Helplink is a free resource for Vermonters, providing confidential, non-judgmental support and referrals based on your individual needs. A caring Helplink Specialist will listen to you, answer your questions, and help you or your loved one take a step towards recovery.
Call or text "LINK" to 802-565-LINK (5465) or toll-free 833-565-LINK (5465).
- Available 24 hours a day, everyday
- Free and confidential
Contact Us
Substance Use Programs (DSU)
Vermont Department of Health
280 State Drive
Waterbury, VT 05671-8340
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