What starts as harmless or ordinary opioid use can sometimes develop into misuse or dependency.

Dependency can be a physical need which leads to symptoms of withdrawal when a medication is not in the bloodstream - or an addiction - a psychological and physical dependence which produces intense cravings. Symptoms can include:

• Nausea;
• Vomiting;
• Stomach cramps;
• Diarrhea;
• Goosebumps; and
• Depression.

If you're unsure whether you, or someone you care about, might be experiencing dependency, it's important to seek out a professional opinion.

You've probably heard some hard truths about how tough opioid dependency can be, but do you also know how possible long-term recovery is?

No two journeys to rewriting the future look the same. One might have more bumps in the road, while the other might take longer than hoped.

But no matter what the journey might look like, research shows that a combination of Medication Assisted Therapy and behavioral treatment can help us to not only reach point - but stay there, too.

While opioids can be the most appropriate method of treatment, you may want to ask your doctor if you can try an alternative treatment first, such as:

• A non-opioid painkiller;
• Non-prescription pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen or acetaminophen/paracetamol);
• Physical therapy;
• Acupuncture;
• Surgery; or
• Injections.

Sometimes opioids may be the best treatment, and that's okay. But it's important to make sure we use them safely.

Even if you've taken opioids before, you should only ever take an opioid that's been prescribed for you by a healthcare professional. Before starting a prescription, it's important to work with your doctor to:

• See if alternative medicines or therapies could be appropriate for you;
• Discuss your medical history, your alcohol intake and whether you’re pregnant;
• Determine how long you might need a prescription for and how regularly you should take it; and
• Understand any possible side effects and when you should seek medical advice.

More than 50% of people who misuse opioids access them through family or friends without permission.

Make sure your unused medications don't fall into the wrong hands, by following these simple steps:

• Store your prescriptions in a secure location - such as a locked cabinet or drawer - out of sight and reach of children and visitors;
• Return medication to your secure location after every use;
• Don't leave loose pills in easily opened plastic bags or containers;
• Dispose of leftover medications at a local, safe disposal site.

To find a drug disposal site near you please visit https://safe.pharmacy/drug-disposal/

No two roads to recovery are the same. But a professional can help you, or someone you know, find the one that works for you.

If you're looking for support in understanding how to avoid or overcome opioid dependency, it's important to consider the professional support offered by your employer.

In addition to the counseling services offered by your EAP, through your healthcare plan, you can access:

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The support provided by your EAP is both professional and confidential. We encourage you to reach out to {{ctrl.instanceDetails.eapProvider}} to assist you in navigating to the most appropriate treatment provider.

But we understand that what works for one person, doesn't necessarily work for someone else. So, if you, or someone you know, would feel more comfortable connecting with a support provider outside of the resources provided by your employer, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357).