Friends & Family
The numbers are eye opening. Almost half of all opioid misuse starts with a friend or family member’s prescription.
Opioids are a type of medicine often used to help relieve pain. They work by lowering the number of pain signals your body sends to your brain. They also change how your brain responds to pain. Doctors most often prescribe opioids to relieve pain from:
- toothaches and dental procedures
- injuries
- surgeries
- chronic conditions
Misusing opioids means that you don’t follow your doctor’s instructions for how to take the medicine. It can also mean that you take the drug illegally.
It can be difficult to know where to turn when someone in your life misuses prescription pills or uses opioids, but you are not alone. About one in four patients that were prescribed opioids for chronic pain misused them. Understanding how this misuse can impact the life of someone you love is the first step to being able to offer help and support. Learn the warning signs of addiction and have Naloxone on hand for emergencies.
If you or someone you know is ready to stop using drugs, call 211 today. You can also text your zip code to 898-211 (TXT-211) to be connected with a friendly Maine-based Specialist.
We all must open our eyes. Treatment is available. Recovery is possible. Get help today.
Find Local Resources
If you’ve decided you need help, there are places you can turn. Enter your zip code below.
Help is available, free and confidential — Call or Text 211 Today
When You Call 211
After you CALL 211, select option “6” to access the Opiate Helpline. A Maine-based specialist will refer you to a provider who can help. A specialist will answer your questions to the best of their abilities. You will receive encouragement and support to help you or a loved one.
WHEN YOU TEXT YOUR ZIP CODE TO 898-211
After you TEXT your zip code to 898-211, you are automatically connected with a Maine-based specialist. The specialists will text you back asking what services you are looking for and provide you referrals as close to where you live as possible.