Chronic pain and opioids
Many people with chronic pain may have been prescribed or choose to self-medicate with opioids. Opioid use carries a risk of leading to chronic pain, addiction, opioid-related overdose, and death. If you are taking opioids in an effort to relieve your suffering, please ask your healthcare provider for more effective treatments for chronic pain.
Keep reading to understand what resources are available to help with opioid use.
Opioid overdose
Anyone taking opioids has the risk of an opioid overdose. Learn how to recognize and what do to in the event of an opioid overdose.
Naloxone (Narcan) is a widely available medication that can be administered to anyone experiencing an opioid overdose. Visit this website to learn more about naloxone. If you live in Missouri, see where you can get Naloxone for free.
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Individuals that seek emergency medical help in the event of overdose are protected from arrest or prosecution for possession of drugs or paraphernalia under Missouri’s “Good Samaritan” law.
Opioid use disorder
The CDC defines Opioid Use Disorder as a problematic pattern of opioid use that causes significant impairment (damage) or distress (suffering). There are many resources available to address opioid use disorder. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is an effective intervention that consists of drug therapy and is often paired with counseling and behavioral therapy. Learn more about available substance use services in Missouri and talk to your doctor about your options. The St. Louis County website also has more resources about opioid use disorder.