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Opioid Education and Prevention

Understanding the Opioid Epidemic: Facts and Dangers

Opioid abuse is a pressing issue that affects millions of people across the United States. This epidemic does not discriminate and can impact individuals from all walks of life.

Opioid Epidemic Facts

  • About 53,000 deaths occur annually due to fentanyl.
  • Shockingly, 44 percent of tested fentanyl samples contain lethal doses.
  • Fentanyl is a staggering 50 times more potent than morphine.
  • Narcan is a crucial tool used to reverse fentanyl overdoses.
  • Beware: 40 percent of counterfeit pills contain a lethal dose of fentanyl.
  • The Good Samaritan Law offers legal protection to individuals who provide assistance to those in need.

Opioid Education and Prevention Campaigns

In the face of a growing concern surrounding substance misuse and its profound impact on individuals and communities, the Tempe Coalition’s campaigns emerge as beacons of education and awareness. Committed to fostering a culture of prevention and empowerment, the Coalition seeks to inform, engage, and inspire change on the critical issue of substance misuse.

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Opioid Education and Prevention Resources

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Illicit Fentanyl Pills in Arizona

Illicit fentanyl, often disguised as common medications like aspirin and Xanax, is circulating in our communities.

Fentanyl: Dangerous & Deadly

Illicit fentanyl is extremely potent, more than 100 times stronger than morphine. These pills have no visible indication of their contents. Even a small dose can lead to overdose or death, and such incidents have been increasing in Arizona.

This Is Not Prescription Fentanyl

Illicitly produced fentanyl is being added to other drugs like heroin, meth, and cocaine to increase their potency. Many users are unaware of its presence, leading to overdose deaths.

Raising awareness about the opioid epidemic and understanding its dangers is essential to saving lives. By sharing this information and taking proactive steps, we can work together to combat opioid abuse and protect our communities.

How You can Help

  • Naloxone (Narcan) is an opioid antagonist that can reverse an opioid overdose. It’s available without a prescription at local pharmacies or through local health departments and prevention coalitions.
  • Encourage community members, especially those with family members using opioids, to obtain Naloxone.
  • The Good Samaritan Law in Arizona provides legal protections for individuals who report drug overdoses by calling 9-1-1.

Narcan

Narcan, also known by its generic name naloxone, is a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. Opioids are a class of drugs that includes prescription painkillers like oxycodone and hydrocodone, as well as illegal drugs like heroin. When someone overdoses on opioids, their breathing can slow down or stop, which can be fatal. Narcan works by quickly binding to the same receptors in the brain that opioids bind to, effectively blocking the opioids and restoring normal breathing.

  1. Life-Saving Medication: Narcan is a life-saving medication used in emergency situations to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
  2. Rapid Action: It acts quickly, often within minutes, and can rapidly restore normal breathing in a person experiencing an opioid overdose.
  3. Multiple Forms: Narcan is available in various forms, including nasal spray and injectable forms. The nasal spray is user-friendly and can be administered by bystanders or first responders with minimal training.
  4. Safety: Narcan is considered safe to use, and even if it is administered to someone who is not experiencing an opioid overdose, it typically has no harmful effects.
  5. Availability: Tempe Coalition is a local distributor of Narcan, contact Tempe Coalition for more details on acquiring Narcan and administering. Narcan is also available without a prescription and can be obtained at pharmacies.
  6. Good Samaritan Laws: Arizona’s Good Samaritan law protects individuals who seek medical help for someone experiencing an overdose or who administer Narcan from legal liability.
  7. Follow-Up Care: While Narcan can reverse an overdose, it is essential to seek medical attention for the person who has overdosed to address the underlying opioid use disorder and provide appropriate care and support.

Narcan plays a critical role in reducing opioid overdose-related deaths and is an important tool in harm reduction efforts to combat the opioid epidemic. It is often used by first responders, healthcare professionals, and community members to save lives when opioid overdoses occur.