Learn about opioids

Doctors and dentists may prescribe them for conditions, such as:

• acute short-term moderate to severe pain;
• chronic long-term pain;
• moderate to severe diarrhea; and
• moderate to severe cough.

Prescriptions opioid medications are available as:

• syrups;
• tablets;
• capsules;
• nasal sprays;
• skin patches;
• suppositories; and
• liquids for injection.

If you've been prescribed an opioid medication, you should:

• only take it as prescribed;
• never let someone else use it;
• consult your doctor before you take it with alcohol and benzodiazepines; and
• only take it with other medications if prescribed.

Keep your medication safe

To help prevent problematic use by others, you should:

• never share your medication with anyone else ‒ this is illegal and may cause serious harm or death to the other person;
• keep track of the number of pills remaining in a package; and
• store opioids in a safe and secure place, out of the reach of children, teenagers and pets.

If you have leftover or expired medication

Returned the leftover or expired medication to a pharmacy. They can safely dispose of the medication.

Fentanyl-related overdoses are on the rise across Canada.

What is fentanyl?

• Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid narcotic.
• It's a prescription drug used primarily for cancer patients in severe pain.

How toxic is fentanyl?

• This drug is roughly 50 to 100 times more toxic than morphine.
• Be aware that heroin, cocaine, oxycodone, and other drugs can be “cut” (diluted or addition) with fentanyl, in powder, liquid or pill form.

Handle fentanyl carefully

Use caution if you handle fentanyl. You can absorb it through mucous membranes. This means if you get any fentanyl on your skin, avoid touching your:

• eyes;
• nose; and
• mouth.

Prescribed fentanyl

Fentanyl prescribed by your doctor is safe if you use it as prescribed. Be careful if you're also using other substances which may suppress breathing, such as:

• alcohol;
• benzodiazepines (like librium and valium); or
• other non-prescribed drugs.

You can download and share this handout about fentanyl.

Opioids can be a problem because they can produce euphoria: a feeling of being high. You may think that someone with an opioid problem is only using illegally produced or obtained drugs, such as:

• heroin; and
• fentanyl.

But, problematic use of opioids also includes when you use a prescription opioid improperly, such as:

• taking more than is prescribed;
• taking the drug at the wrong time;
• taking the drug in a different form than it was prescribed; and
• using an opioid medication that was not prescribed for you.

Substance-use disorder or addiction

If you're affected by a disorder or addiction, you crave the drug. You'll continue using it despite the harmful effects. The drug becomes the focus of your:

• feelings;
• thoughts; and
• activities.

How an opioid-use disorder affects you

An opioid-use disorder changes your brain and body in ways that can make it hard for you to stop using. This is because your body gets used to a regular supply of the drug. If you stop using the drug, or lower your dose quickly, you'll likely experience withdrawal symptoms. You may also experience opioid-induced hyperalgesia – heightened pain – which makes it especially difficult to stop using.

Withdrawal symptoms

Physical withdrawal effects may include:

• chills;
• diarrhea;
• insomnia;
• sweating;
• body aches;
• nervousness;
• widespread or increased pain;
• irritability and agitation;
• recurrence of pain at the site of a healed injury;
• nausea; and
• stomach pain.

The severity of withdrawal and how long it lasts depend on:

• how much drug you took;
• which opioid you used; and
• how long you used the drug.

Treatment

Substance-use disorder treatment may include:

• harm reduction supplies and practical information;
• counselling and support;
• detoxification (managing withdrawal); and
• medication-assisted treatment.

Medication-assisted treatment involves taking a prescribed opioid medication such as:

• opioid agonist therapy that uses buprenorphine; or
• methadone.

These prescribed medications work to prevent withdrawal and reduce cravings. You can take opioid agonist therapies to help stabilize your life and reduce harms associated with drug use.

There is an increased risk of premature delivery for women who use opioids regularly, including prescription opioids. There is also a risk the baby may be born with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Fortunately, Opioid Agonist Treatment is often considered a safe option for pregnant women. Such treatment has been shown to eliminate or substantially reduce non-medical opioid use, leading to improved outcomes for both mother and child. Find out more about treatment of opioid use disorder during pregnancy.

Get help for opioid-use disorder

You can get help for opioid-use disorder. Contact Opioid Treatment Services.  You do not need a referral. Phone 867-668-2552 to make an appointment.

Treatment services are located at 210 Elliott Street in Whitehorse along with the Referred Care Clinic. The clinic is open Monday to Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Get help with substance-use

If you are someone you know is struggling with addictions in Whitehorse  call 867-456-3838 and in communities call 1-866-456-3838.