Prescription Opioids
Prescription opioids are powerful medications commonly prescribed for the management of moderate to severe pain. Common types of prescription opioids include oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), morphine, and methadone. While these medications can be effective in providing relief, their use carries significant risks, including the potential for opioid use disorder, overdose, and adverse health outcomes.
The opioid overdose crisis, which has been escalating over the past few decades, underscores the need for careful prescribing practices and comprehensive patient education. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on exploring alternative pain management strategies to mitigate the risks associated with prescription opioids. Public health initiatives are increasingly focused on improving access to substance use disorder treatment services, enhancing prescription drug monitoring systems to prevent misuse, and promoting awareness about the risks associated with prescription opioid use.
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is committed to addressing prescription opioid misuse and overdose prevention by promoting safe prescribing practices, increasing public awareness about the risks associated with opioid use, and providing resources for those affected by opioid misuse. Our aim is to balance the need for effective pain management with the imperative to protect the health and well-being of all Oregonians.
Oregon Health Authority convened experts from across the state from 2016-2019 to develop clinical guidelines on opioid prescribing. These guidelines focus on recommendations to improve patient safety and care in the following areas:
For more information on OHA's Opioid Initiative and resources for healthcare providers, visit OHA's
Health Care Professionals and CCOs webpage.
Planning ahead can help you find better ways to heal - without the risk of prescription opioids. Talk to your doctor about the benefits, risks and limitations of prescription pain medications, and other options to manage your pain.
Heal Safely is a campaign to empower people to heal safely after injury or surgery. We believe everyone deserves safe, effective options that will help them rest, recover and get back to daily life. Para Español:
ComoManejarElDolor.org.If your doctor prescribes you opioid pain medication:- Ask your doctor to co-prescribe an opioid overdose reversal medication (OORM) such as naloxone with your opioid medication.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about other medications you are taking.
- Let your doctor know if you have a history of substance use disorder or a mental health disorder.
- Use the smallest amount of medication for the fewest number of days.
- Do not drive or operate machinery while taking opioids for pain.
- Store prescription pain medications in a SAFE, SECURE place, out of reach of others. Be aware of how much medication you have and monitor the quantity.
- Use prescription pain medications only as instructed by your doctor. To help prevent misuse, do not sell or share your medication. Never use another person's prescription pain medication.
- Make a plan with your doctor for when and how to stop, if a choice is made to use prescription pain medications.
- Dispose of unused medication safely
People who take opioids, even for short term acute pain management, can develop an opioid use disorder. Opioid dependence causes withdrawal symptoms, making it difficult to stop taking them. Substance use disorder occurs when dependence interferes with daily life. Opioid use disorder can lead to a lifelong struggle with misuse and dependency that impacts a person's relationships, employment, finances, family and community.
Get Help for Opioid Use DisorderOpioid use disorder is a medical condition that can be successfully treated. If you or a loved one need help to stop using opioids, talk to your health care provider or
view our list of resources for getting help.
Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)MOUD combines behavioral therapy with medications (such as buprenorphine, methadone and naltrexone) and can stabilize patients with opioid use disorder and improve social functioning.
MOUD is considered the gold standard for treating opioid use disorder. Patients receiving MOUD services have consistently better treatment outcomes, less illicit drug use, lower rates of infectious disease, and overall lower utilization of emergency departments.
For more information on MOUD or Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Opioid Use Disorder visit the
OHA Behavioral Health MOUD/MATwebpage and
OHAs MOUD Fact Sheet. Refer to the “Where to Get Help" section at the bottom of this page for more resources.
Get Trained to use Opioid Overdose Reversal Medications (OORMs)Opioid overdose reversal medications (such as naloxone) are a type of medication that can be used to reverse an opioid overdose. Oregon law allows lay people to carry and use OORMs on others.
Learn more about opioid overdose reversal medications.
When someone takes too much prescription pain medication or illicit opioids:
- Their pupils become very small, sometimes called "pinpoint" pupils
- They may throw up, or make snoring, gurgling or choking sounds
- Their breathing gets very slow or stops
- They may turn pale, blue or gray, especially the lips or fingernails
- They may become unconscious, become limp or not respond to yelling or other stimulation
IF YOU SEE THESE SIGNS: The most important thing is to act right away. CALL 911 and administer naloxone.
If someone is unconscious or has any of these signs, administer naloxone and call 911 immediately. Refer to the Save Lives Oregon
"Reverse Opioid Overdose with Naloxone Nasal Spray" guide (pdf) for the six steps to reverse an opioid overdose.
An overdose is always a medical emergency. Individuals should call 911 immediately after administering an OORM. Be aware that it may take more than one dose of an OORM or naloxone to reverse an opioid overdose.
Oregon's Good Samaritan law protects the caller and the person who has overdosed against possession and paraphernalia charges, or parole/probation violations based on information provided to emergency responders. Read the Good Samaritan law (pdf).
Don't flush unused medications down the toilet or drain. Flushing medications may cause them to get into our water system which impacts fish, wildlife, and community members. Make sure any unused medication is properly disposed of once it is no longer needed.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance use, please reach out for help. Speak with a healthcare provider or visit the links below for support and treatment resources. You are not alone.
Oregon-Specific Resources