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Heroin & Opioids

Harm Reduction Strategies for Opioid Use

Opioids have been involved in most overdoses in the U.S. over the past several years. These include heroin, morphine, prescription opioids and synthetic opioids like fentanyl. While you may wish that your loved one not use opioids at all, if they do, here are some harm reduction strategies for opioid use that you can share with them to reduce their risk of illness and death.

Earpiece Relieves Opioid Withdrawal

Starting on the path to recovery can be challenging, but there is a new type of earpiece that may be able to help ease the pain of withdrawal symptoms and assist in the treatment process.

Sam Quinones

David Magee

Captain Lee Rosbach

Paul Holes

Nora Volkow

Inform Patients About Opioid Risks

Patients and their families, who are often unaware, should be advised of the risks and alternatives when opioid medications are prescribed.

Opioid Litigation Petition Confirmation

COVID-19: Accessing Critical Medications for Your Loved One

If your child or loved one is using medication to treat opioid addiction, you may need to consider how COVID-19 will impact their access.

Substances Laced with Fentanyl

Many substances are laced with other substances, like fentanyl. Learn tips for how you can help protect your child from accidental overdose.

When Opioid Pain Relievers Are Prescribed For Your Child: What You Should Know

The overprescribing of prescription pain relievers has been a major cause of the opioid epidemic. Know what to ask when your child is prescribed opioids.

Does My Child Need Opioids to Cope with Severe and Acute Pain?

If your child has acute pain, opioids may lead to addiction. But parents can ask a doctor about mitigating the risk while still dealing with the pain.

Alternatives to Opioids

If your child is in recovery or you're worried about them using opioids, there are many alternatives that can help alleviate their pain.

How to Help a Woman Who is Using Opioids and Becomes Pregnant

If there is a woman in your life who is pregnant and addicted to opioids, it is possible to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Your Comprehensive Guide to the Opioid Epidemic — and What You Can Do About It

Learn about how the opioid epidemic started, how you can keep your community safe, and how to help a loved one who is struggling -- download your eBook now.

Does Having Naloxone in My House Enable My Child to Use Opioids?

Some parents might think having life-saving naloxone (Narcan) on hand might encourage their child to continue to use heroin or other opioids. But there's no evidence that that's the case.

IV Drug Use & Opioid Addiction

Watch this video series to help you understand the relationship between (and risks of) opioid addiction and IV drug use, and how to best to help your child.

Our Action Plan in the Face of the Opioid Epidemic

We’ve been on the front lines of this issue for decades. But we can’t do it alone. Your voice can make a difference. Together, we can solve this crisis

What Happens When Someone Goes Through Opioid Withdrawal?

One of the reasons that opioids like Vicodin are so addictive are the painful withdrawal symptoms that come from stopping use. Here's what's going on.

Is My Son Really in Recovery if He’s Taking Suboxone?

There are many paths to recovery from addiction to heroin or painkillers, including taking medicine like Suboxone.

Why Can’t My Child Just Stop Using Heroin?

Many parents ask why their kid can't just stop. But as more studies are confirming, drugs are actually creating changes in his or her brain. Learn why.

How Can I Prevent My Child from Overdosing?

You should encourage your loved one to seek treatment for their drug use. But there are things to do to help prevent an overdose in the meantime.

When Your Child Relapses: What You Can Do as a Parent

If your teen or young adult child has slipped back into using alcohol or other drugs after a period of being sober, you're probably scared, confused, and maybe even blaming yourself. This article will help you understand why relapse happens, what to do if it happens, how to keep your child safe, and how to take care of yourself too. Relapse doesn't mean failure for your child or for you. It's often just one part of a longer road to recovery.

What Is Vivitrol? Answers for Parents

One way to treat opioid addiction is Naltrexone (Vivitrol), a type of medication-assisted treatment, an injection given by a medical provider once a month.
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