Real Talks About Opioids Can Save Lives
In the state of Wisconsin, we are in a crisis related to opioid use. Deaths from opioid overdoses are at an all-time high. As of 2021, Wisconsin was experiencing over 1000 opioid-related deaths per year and over 4000 opioid-related hospitalizations per year. In Jackson County, a “suspected opioid overdose alert” was issued in April 2022 by the statewide monitoring system, which triggers an alert if the suspected number of opioid overdoses in emergency departments is higher than usual for the area. All of these numbers tell a simple story: Opioids are a major problem in Wisconsin and in Jackson County, and it is up to all of us to help turn this trend around.
Wisconsin’s opioid epidemic began more than 20 years ago. It started with the overprescribing of prescription pain relievers. When these drugs became harder to get by those who craved them for nonmedical use, heroin use increased. Heroin was more available and cheaper. Today, opioids illegally manufactured and mixed with other drugs are causing the most damage to our families and communities.
Opioids are a class of legal and illegal drugs that produce a pleasurable effect on the brain and body, although the effect is different for each person. Opioids are used in many ways. A healthcare professional may prescribe them as part of a treatment plan following an injury or surgery. Examples of prescription opioids used for pain relief are oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine.
Opioids may also be used in nonmedical ways. Some people may use opioids to cope with painful emotions, trauma, or other life experiences. The two main opioids used for nonmedical purposes are heroin and fentanyl. Many emergency overdose situations are related to people unknowingly taking drugs laced with fentanyl. A dose of fentanyl is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and up to 100 times stronger than morphine.
It is important to realize that opioid use disorder can happen to anyone. Often an opioid use disorder begins as a gradual dependence on prescription pain relievers. The person is simply trying to manage pain and does not realize they are becoming addicted to the drug. Older adults are especially at risk for this to happen.
As a family member or friend, it is important that you are prepared to talk about opioids. So how do you start a conversation? Keep it casual and take time to listen to what the person says. Start with a simple statement like, “I’ve been worried about you. Can we talk?” or “I’ve noticed you haven’t seemed like yourself lately. How can I help?”. Offer support, not judgment. Respond with compassion. You are not expected to know the answers, but you can help guide them to the help they need. A simple response like, “You’re not alone, even if you feel like you are. I’m here for you, and I want to help you,” can open the door for an ongoing conversation. Understand that the initial conversation may not go well, but stay connected.
Wisconsin’s Dose of Reality website (www.doseofrealitywi.gov) is full of resources about opioids and tips for starting a conversation with someone you fear is struggling with opioid use.
