Six Steps to Zero
Do you or someone you know currently take a prescribed narcotic drug to treat pain? Learn six steps everyone needs to follow when using narcotic drugs (opioids).
- Never take a prescription painkiller unless it is prescribed to you.
Everyone responds differently to pain medications. What is safe for one person may not be safe for another.
- Do not take pain medicine with alcohol.
Never mix the two; it is a dangerous combination that can be deadly. Alcohol increases the toxicity of pain medication.
- Do not take more doses than prescribed.
Even after the effects of pain medicine seem to have worn off, it is still depressing the respiratory system. The body must develop a tolerance to the respiratory depressant effects before the dose can be increased.
- Use of other sedative or anti-anxiety medications can be dangerous.
Combining pain medicines with other sedative drugs, such as valium, can increase the toxicity of the pain medication. Only take other medications, if directed by the prescribing doctor.
- Avoid using prescription painkillers to facilitate sleep.
Prescription pain medications can suppress respiration during sleep. Speak to your physician about safe methods to manage pain during sleep.
- Lock up prescription painkillers.
If consumed by children or other family members, or stolen and sold on the street, prescription pain medicine can kill.
