How to Help

Opioids, used to block physical pain, also block emotional pain. They offer only
temporary relief but can result in serious consequences for the user and their loved
ones. While pain—both physical and emotional—is a natural human response, society
often seeks to avoid it altogether.

Narcotics are substances not derived from opium, such as Fentanyl (Ultiva, Sublimaze,
Duragesic patch), Dextromethorphan (found in products like Nyquil, Robitussin,
TheraFlu, Vicks, and Mucinex DM), Dextropropoxyphene (Darvocet-N, Darvon),
Loperamide (Opana), Meperidine (Demerol), Methadone (Dolophine), and Carfentanyl
(Wildnil, used in veterinary medicine); all of these are synthesized in laboratories. This
list is not exhaustive. Opiates, on the other hand, are compounds that come directly
from opium. Today, both narcotics and opiates are commonly grouped under the term
“opioids” due to their similar potential for addiction. For simplicity, this discussion will
use “opioids” to refer to both categories.

The main factor in addiction is predisposition. Opioids bind to pain receptors in the
brain, and individuals who develop opioid addiction often have a biological tendency
toward addictive behaviors. This predisposition refers to an inherited trait that can lead
to dependency on various substances or activities, such as drugs, alcohol, food, or
gambling.

Prescription opioids are often more accessible than people realize, commonly found in medicine cabinets, bathroom drawers, kitchen cupboards, purses, backpacks, or even cars. Leftover medications from surgeries or injuries are frequently kept “just in case” and forgotten over time. For someone struggling with substance use—or even a curious child or teen—these everyday storage spots can provide easy and unintentional access.

People may search for opioids by checking labeled prescription bottles, loose pills, or unmarked containers. Purses and bags are especially risky because they travel outside the home and may hold medications carried for convenience. Visitors and family members may encounter and take these drugs without anyone realizing the drugs were there. They would not know when or why their family or visitors may be behaving poorly or suffering a drug overdose. This is a very strong reason to make drug testing an acceptable practice to keep our families safe and promote early detection.

Prevention begins with opioids not leaving the hospital to start with. If opioids do make it out of the hospital, secure storage and mindful habits are necessary. Keep opioids in a locked cabinet or lockbox, avoid carrying them in purses unless necessary, and never leave them unattended in cars. Regularly clear out unused medications and dispose of them through pharmacy drop boxes, drug take-back programs, or flush them. Open conversations and safe storage practices can greatly reduce access and help protect everyone in the home.

If you suspect a loved one may be taking opioids, approach the situation with calm,  compassion, and curiosity rather than blame. Share specific behaviors you’ve noticed and invite an open conversation focused on safety and well-being. 

Common signs of opioid use may include increased drowsiness or “nodding off,” pinpoint pupils, mood changes, euphoria and energy, secrecy, withdrawing from family or friends,  changes in sleep patterns, unexplained financial issues, missing medications, or a decline in work, school, or personal responsibilities. Physical symptoms can also include nausea,  itching, constipation, slow breathing, or frequent flu-like complaints. 

Signs of overdose that need immediate action, 911/Naloxone (Narcan, brand name): head tilted back and mouth open, bluish/ashen tint to skin, blue or purple fingers, very slow motor movements, difficulty with verbal responding, unresponsive to touch or voice,  difficulty breathing, and slowed heartbeat. 

Educate yourself and be prepared to listen without judgment. Encourage your loved one to speak with a healthcare provider or addiction professional and consider seeking guidance for yourself through a counselor or support group. In the meantime, secure or remove opioids from the home, monitor access to medications, and keep naloxone available in case of overdose. Early, compassionate intervention can make a meaningful difference and help open the door to support and recovery. 

Secure or remove not only opioids, but all medications from the home, monitor access to medications, and keep Naloxone (Narcan, brand name) available in case of overdose. Early,  compassionate intervention can make a meaningful difference and help open the door to support and recovery.

Recognizing and responding quickly to an opioid overdose can save a life. Signs of overdose that need immediate action, 911/Naloxone (Narcan, brand name): head tilted back and mouth open, bluish/ashen tint to skin, blue or purple fingers, very slow motor movements, difficulty with verbal responding, unresponsive to touch or voice, difficulty breathing (can have a gurgling sound) and a slowed heartbeat.

If you suspect an overdose, call 911 immediately and administer naloxone (Narcan) if it is available. Naloxone is a safe, easy-to-use medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of opioids and restore breathing; it can be given as a nasal spray and will not harm someone if opioids are not present. After giving naloxone, stay with the person, try to keep them awake and breathing, and administer additional doses if instructed, as its effects may wear off before the opioids do. You must seek emergency medical care, even if the person wakes up, as overdose symptoms, cravings, and relapse will occur if the individual is not treated with “Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone)” or “Methadone” as soon as possible.

I want to clarify that the reason for testing for opioids is to seek immediate help to stop intentional or accidental use of opioids and to reduce the chance of addiction due to biological predisposition. If we think about opioid testing this way, we want children,  adolescents, and adults to be tested. It is about saving lives and avoiding a lifelong opioid trap. There is an argument about drug testing and trust between parents (caregivers) and children and teenagers. If your child intentionally or accidentally takes these drugs, the only thought should be about their safety and helping them out of the opioid trap if they have entered it. Time is vitally important for recovery. 

Getting someone tested for opioids is a crucial step toward safety and early intervention.  Approach the topic with honesty and care, explaining that testing is to support health and guide next steps—not to punish or control. Testing may be conducted at home, through a healthcare provider, treatment program, or supervised setting and can help clarify which substances are being used. Once use is identified, helping someone avoid further opioid use often involves reducing access by securing or removing all medications, starting the medications either “Methadone” or “Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone)”, creating a plan that includes ABPM (American Board of Preventative Medicine Doctor with experience with addiction [example: frugaldoctor.com] and counseling with a counselor skilled in CBT  (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). Ongoing encouragement, clear boundaries, and connection to these treatments can help reduce the risk of overdose and offer coping skills to deal with opioid cravings and behavioral routines. 

Testing for opioids is not limited to adolescents and adults. Children should also be regularly tested for opioids. Children should be tested due to the toxic nature of opioids.  Opioids’ chemical residue is toxic and can enter the bloodstream if it is touched. Children can encounter opioids accidentally or intentionally from the environment, other children,  adolescents, and other adults. Early intervention is the best opportunity for recovery.

Drug disposal:

1. Urgent disposal of opioids: remove packaging and personal information. Flush. (FDA suggests flushing opioids in urgent situations)

2. A. Non-urgent, Drop-Box disposal for opioids: Some pharmacies and local law enforcement agencies may have drop boxes for disposal of unwanted licit or illicit drugs. Remove personal information before disposal. You can locate an authorized collection site using the DEA Diversion Control search tool.

3. B. Non-urgent, Mail-Back Programs for opioids: Some pharmacies and health departments provide prepaid envelopes for mailing back unwanted licit or illicit drugs. Remove personal information before disposal.

My opinion from experience- these drugs should be flushed, not put in a drop box or mailed. I cannot express how dangerous these drugs are to fall into the hands of innocent people, whether those selling drugs or those using drugs.

DO NOT MIX LICIT OR ILLICIT MEDICATIONS WITH COFFEE GROUNDS, DIRT OR CAT LITTER AND SEAL IN A PLASTIC BAG OR CONTAINER AND DISPOSE OF IN YOUR TRASH.

These drugs are extremely dangerous.