Tools for Employees
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports, “In 2017, more than 70,000 people died from drug overdoses, making it a leading cause of injury-related deaths in the United States. Of those deaths, almost 68% involved a prescription or illicit opioid.” Arizona is not immune to the rising epidemic. The Arizona Board of Pharmacy reports over 312 million opioid pills were prescribed in 2018, making opioids a commonly available drug in homes. Unfortunately, may people have been impacted by the opioid epidemic, either personally or through someone they know.
Understanding how opioid addiction works and being aware of community resources available can potentially save the life of someone you love. These resources provide information for you and your family to help prevent opioid misuse and abuse, identify when someone may need assistance and treat someone with an opioid use disorder (OUD).
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Preventing Opioid Misuse
Resource hub for prevention and early intervention
Identifying When Someone Needs Help
Information about the brain disease model of addiction and recognizing dependency
Resources and information to help someone you care about who might have a drug use problem
Overdoses involving opioids continue to rise, with over 47,000 fatal opioid overdoses in 2017. Non-fatal overdoses are several times more common than fatal opioid overdoses
Talking to an Employer
If opioid use or misuse is affecting your life or work, or you think you may have a problem with opioids, the time to seek help is now
Finding Treatment
Identify substance abuse providers in your area.
Local medical experts offer patients, providers, and family members opioid information, resources and referral 24/7. Translation services available.
Arizona now has four 24/7 Access Point locations providing opioid treatment services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to serve individuals seeking treatment. Medication assisted treatment is offered in various settings in the community.
Find a treatment facility near you.
Other Resources for OUD
Naloxone, or Narcan®, can reverse opioid overdoses. ADHS Director Dr. Cara Christ has issued standing orders for naloxone that authorizes any Arizona-licensed pharmacists to dispense naloxone to any individual
It is essential that you and your doctor discuss treatment options with all of the risks and benefits carefully considered. Some medications, such as prescription opioids, can help relieve pain in the short-term but also come with serious risks and potential complications – and must be prescribed and used carefully
Understand the challenge: Why do youth use drugs?