Oxycodone. Hydrocodone. Codeine. Morphine. Are any of these names familiar to you? Or maybe you know some of the brand names: Percocet, OxyContin, Vicodin, Norco and many others.

All of these are opioids – a class of drugs prescribed for pain management. Another is fentanyl, a synthetic opioid considered 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine. Although doctors prescribe fentanyl for severe pain, it’s also sometimes manufactured illicitly like another opioid: heroin.

If you take opioids for too long or take large doses, you may be at risk for developing an opioid use disorder – and even dying from an overdose, the National Safety Council warns.

“People who take prescribed opioids, even as directed, may build up a tolerance,” the NSC says. “When pain has subsided, some people find it easy to stop taking them and others find it harder to quit. Some people who find it harder to quit may continue to take opioids for longer than necessary, or may develop an opioid use disorder.”

We’ve got a problem

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared opioids a public health emergency in 2017. And in 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that more than 220 people died from a drug overdose each day nationwide. From June 2019 through May 2020, almost 73% of the estimated 81,000-plus overdose deaths were linked to opioids.

Then came the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a CDC survey of more than 5,400 U.S. adults conducted in June 2020, 13% of respondents “started or increased” substance use amid the pandemic – likely making the opioid epidemic an even bigger problem.

“The disruption to daily life due to the COVID-19 pandemic has hit those with substance use disorder hard,” CDC Director Robert Redfield said.

Don’t share

Although it’s a felony to share prescription opioids with others, data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration shows that about half of people who misuse opioids get them from a friend or loved one.

Other ways people can obtain drugs without a prescription is via a medicine cabinet, or when the drugs are left out on a countertop or stored in a purse. Securing drugs in a lockbox or other safe storage device helps keep them out of reach.

Another important step: disposing of unused or expired medications. You can find information on safe disposal on the Food and Drug Administration’s website, and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s site provides links to year-round disposal locations.

Do you have children? The NSC recommends talking with them – especially teens – about not taking other people’s medications.

Ask about alternatives

Opioids are best used for acute pain, and in the lowest dose and smallest quantity possible, the CDC says.

“Opioids should only be used when necessary and only for as long as necessary,” the agency cautions. “Generally, for acute pain, this is often three days or less; more than seven days is rarely needed.”

If you’re in pain, talk with your doctor about your options. An alternative to opioids may be available.

“It’s important to ask the questions and do your due diligence,” said Rachael Cooper, former senior program manager, substance use and harm prevention safety, at the NSC.

You also can ask your pharmacist how you can avoid prescription opioids, and if the pain medication you’ve been prescribed contains an opioid. To help start the conversation, the NSC offers free Opioids: Warn Me labels that you can stick on your insurance card. Medication disposal envelopes are available, too. Go to cloud.safe.nsc.org/stop-everyday-killers-supplies to order some.

If you’re going through a medical procedure or surgery, Cooper recommends you have an advocate, such as a spouse, who can make sure your medical care requests – including about pain management – are being honored. For example, they can help make sure you’re not being overprescribed if initial care plans change unexpectedly.

“Sometimes when you’re in pain, you may not have the capacity to fully understand medical information and make appropriate decisions,” she said. “You need to have somebody around who is able to help you make those decisions and ask the questions that need to be asked.”

Getting help

Common signs of an opioid use disorder, according to Johns Hopkins University, include changes in sleep habits, drowsiness, weight loss, frequent flu-like symptoms, and isolation from friends or family.

If you’re concerned about yourself, a friend or a loved one, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has resources on its website at samhsa.gov and a 24/7 National Helpline: (800) 662-4357. Callers can get treatment referrals and information in English and Spanish. Additionally, you can use a treatment services locator.

When someone is ready to face their opioid use disorder, they “need an open door” along with immediate help, Johns Hopkins points out. Cooper urges people to avoid accusations or judgment when offering support.

For example, when approaching someone with a suspected opioid use disorder, say, “Hey, I’ve noticed that you’re kind of withdrawn and I’m a little worried about you. Do you need to talk about something or do you need help?” She added: “It’s about consistently demonstrating that you’re there if somebody needs you and not judging their situation.”

While helping someone, make sure you’re taking care of yourself, too, Cooper noted, whether through counseling or a support group. She added that a substance use disorder may cause fear and uncertainty for the person experiencing it, but treatment works. “Substance use disorders are preventable and they’re also treatable,” Cooper said. “It’s scary, like any medical diagnosis can be, but it is treatable and people do live healthy, full lives in recovery.”