Get the Facts
In 2018, 354 Maine people died from overdoses. That number has been climbing in Maine and in the rest of the country. An estimated 500,000 overdose deaths are expected in the next decade nationally.
HERE’S WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
- Painkillers kill more people than heroin.
- 1 American dies every 11 minutes from an opioid overdose. That’s more than 130 people a day.
- Drug overdose is currently the leading cause of accidental death in America.
- In 2018, 217 overdose-related deaths in Maine were a result of the deadly drug Fentanyl.
- About half of prescribed opioids ultimately go unused by the patient. (Source)
YOUTH/TEEN FACTS:
- 1 in 10 high school students in Maine have taken a prescription drug that was not prescribed for them.
- 1 in 5 Maine teens who have misused prescription drugs did so before the age of 14.
- Nearly 1 in 5 Maine high school students said it is easy to find prescription drugs that are not prescribed to them.
- Half of all teens believe prescription drugs are much safer than illegal street drugs.
If you have unwanted, unused, or expired medications that you would like to dispose of safely, you can find a drug take back location near you.
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. Visit https://findtreatment.gov/ to get started.
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.