Understanding Opioid Misuse
If you control pain with an opioid prescription, you may have been warned about the dangers of misuse. But what is misuse, exactly? At LA Pain Doctor, we help patients in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA understand opioid misuse, how to avoid it, and where to find help.
Request an AppointmentWhat Counts as Opioid Misuse?
Opioid misuse means taking an opioid in any way other than how it was prescribed. It can happen even when someone starts out using the medication for legitimate pain. Examples include:
- Taking more than the prescribed dose, or taking doses more often
- Using opioids to feel relaxed, high, or to cope with stress
- Taking someone else’s prescription or sharing your own
- Crushing, chewing, snorting, or injecting pills
- Mixing opioids with alcohol or other drugs
- Getting prescriptions from multiple providers
Why Misuse Is Dangerous
Misuse greatly increases the risk of addiction, overdose, and death. Opioids slow breathing, and taking too much, or combining them with alcohol, sleep aids, or anti-anxiety drugs, can stop breathing entirely. Misuse can also affect relationships, work, and mental health. Learn how opioid abuse can affect personality.
Warning Signs
- Running out of medication early
- Craving the medication or thinking about it often
- Needing more medication to get the same effect
- Withdrawing from family, friends, or activities
- Mood swings, secrecy, or changes in sleep
How to Prevent Misuse
Follow your prescription exactly, store medication in a locked place, never share it, and dispose of unused pills at a pharmacy or take-back site. Attend all follow-up visits and be honest with your provider about how you are using your medication. Read our tips for using opioids safely.
Getting Help
If you are worried about your opioid use, talk to your provider. You can also call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357, which is free, confidential, and available 24/7. For an overdose, call 911 immediately. LA Pain Doctor also offers non-opioid treatments such as lumbar epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, and spinal cord stimulator implants, and can help you taper safely. Visit our pain medication management page to learn more.
Opioid Misuse FAQs
What is opioid misuse?
Opioid misuse is taking an opioid in any way other than prescribed, such as taking extra doses or using someone else’s medication.
Is misuse the same as addiction?
Not always. Misuse can lead to addiction, which involves compulsive use despite harm.
What are warning signs of misuse?
Running out early, craving the medication, needing more for the same effect, and withdrawing from others are warning signs.
How can I prevent misuse?
Take medication exactly as prescribed, store it securely, never share it, and dispose of unused pills properly.
What should I do if I think I’m misusing opioids?
Talk to your provider or call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for confidential help.
What should I do in an overdose emergency?
Call 911 right away and give naloxone if it is available.
Can LA Pain Doctor help me find alternatives?
Yes. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office to discuss non-opioid treatment options at our offices in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA.
Get Support for Safe Pain Management
Our team is here to help without judgment. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office or request an appointment online today.