Opioids Prevention and Recovery

Overview

Opioids, including prescription painkillers, heroin, and fentanyl, can be dangerous when misused. This page offers easy-to-understand information about what opioids are, why today’s drugs are riskier, how to recognize and respond to an overdose, and how to store and dispose of medications safely. Taking small steps can help protect you, your family, and your community.

What are opioids?

Opioids are a type of drug that reduce pain by affecting the brain and nervous system. They can be prescribed by a doctor or used illegally.

Prescription vs. illicit opioids

• Prescription opioids (like oxycodone or hydrocodone) are used to treat moderate to severe pain under the care of a medical provider. These medications are legal only when prescribed to the person using them. It is illegal, and dangerous, to share prescription opioids with others.
• Illicit opioids include heroin and synthetic opioids like fentanyl, which are often made and sold illegally. Fentanyl is frequently mixed into other drugs or pressed into counterfeit pills that look like prescription medications, making them especially dangerous. Fentanyl was originally developed for use in hospitals, but because it’s inexpensive to produce, it is now frequently found in illicit drugs, making them much more dangerous. 

Why today's drugs are riskier

Illicit drugs are often stronger and less predictable than in the past. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin. It is increasingly found in counterfeit pills, powders, and other substances that may look like familiar medications or recreational drugs.

Drug test strips

Because fentanyl is potent and hard to detect, fentanyl test strips are a valuable tool. They allow individuals to test drugs for fentanyl before use and can help reduce the risk of accidental overdose.

Recognizing an opioid overdose

• Common signs of overdose include:
• Slow, irregular, or no breathing
• Blue or gray lips or fingertips
• Unresponsive or unconscious
• Gurgling or choking sounds

If someone shows these signs, act quickly.

How to respond to an overdose

1. Call 911 immediately.
2. Give naloxone (Narcan) if available.
3. Give CPR and rescue breaths if you’re trained.
4. Stay with the person and try to keep them awake and breathing until help arrives.

Note: If the person does not respond within 2–3 minutes, a second dose of naloxone can be given.

Naloxone may trigger withdrawal symptoms in individuals who regularly use opioids, as it blocks the effects of opioids in the brain.

Alaska’s Good Samaritan law protects anyone who calls 911 during an overdose from arrest or prosecution for drug possession. This means you can call for help without fear of legal consequences.

Naloxone is Safe

Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. It’s safe to use—even if the person isn’t experiencing an overdose. You won’t harm someone by giving it.

Need Naloxone? Contact one of our Project Hope Partners

Recently used Naloxone? If you used Naloxone in response to an overdose, submit this Anonymous Report Back Form

Safe storage and disposal

Never share your prescribed medications. Even over-the-counter medications can be dangerous and should be securely stored away from children, pets, and others. Medications such as opioids, stimulants, and benzodiazepines are particularly high risk because they have known harmful effects. They can be misused or accidentally taken by others. Keeping opioids in the home is associated with an increased risk that household members will experience an overdose. Be sure to get rid of your medications as soon as you’re done using them.

Need medication disposal bags?

Fill out the medication disposal bag request form and send it to ProjectHOPE@alaska.gov
Medication disposal bag request.

How to safely dispose of unused medications

The best way to get rid of unused medications is to take them to your local pharmacy. Most pharmacies have special drop-off containers for old or unused medicines, and you can do this for free. If your pharmacy doesn't have this, you can look up places near you online that accept medications.

If you can't find a place to take them, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has instructions for getting rid of medications safely. Some medications should be flushed down the toilet, while others should be taken out of the bottle and mixed with trash. To prevent people from stealing or misusing pills, don't throw away bottles that still have medicine in them.

For medications that use needles or lancets, like insulin shots or blood tests, these should go into a sharps container. Once the container is about three-quarters full, follow directions for safely disposing of it. If you're unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Resources