Steps to prevent opioid use disorder

Opioids are safest when used for three or fewer days to manage serious pain, such as pain that follows surgery or a bone fracture. If you need opioids for severe pain, work with your healthcare professional to take the lowest dose possible, for the shortest time needed, exactly as prescribed. Also, be sure to ask if drugs other than opioids are available or if other types of treatment can be used instead. And don't share your opioid medicines or take other people's opioids.

If you're living with lifelong pain, opioids aren't likely to be a safe and effective long-term treatment option. Many other treatments are available, including less addictive pain medicines and therapies that don't involve medicines. If possible, aim for a treatment plan that allows you to enjoy your life without opioids.

Help prevent opioid misuse in your family and community by storing opioid medicines securely while you use them. Get rid of unused opioids properly. In the U.S., find the closest Controlled Substance Public Disposal Locations on a website the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) maintains. Or contact your local law enforcement agency or your trash and recycling service for information about local medicine takeback programs. If no takeback program is available in your area, ask your pharmacist for help.

Everyone plays an important role in breaking the grip that opioids have on communities and their residents.