Are you taking prescription opioids or know someone who is? Explore the following resources to find out more.

Is it an opioid?
Could I be dependent?
Common side effects

If you have concerns about a loved one and believe opioids may be impacting their health, family, relationships, work, school, finances or other areas of their life, support is available.

Are They Taking Their Prescribed Opioids Safely?
It’s important to know what they are taking and when. Is the medication helping with their pain? Are they experiencing side effects? If you believe they might be taking more medication than they have been prescribed, or differently than recommended, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. Click here for more information on side effects.

Be Informed
It’s important to have a good understanding of what your loved one or friend is taking their opioid medication for. The ultimate goal when taking any medication is to improve the person’s wellbeing and hopefully their day-to-day function. You can offer to go to appointments with them or read the information provided by their health professionals so you can support them in managing their health. For more information on what to ask your doctor, click here.

Support Wellbeing For Better Pain Management

Please note, pain can occur as a result of a number of different medical conditions or situations. While the information on managing and explaining pain may be of use, we always recommend you talk to your doctor or pharmacist before making any changes or decisions.

Pain is complex and it is effectively managed when tackled from multiple different points. This includes incorporating active self-management and healthy lifestyle choices. By encouraging healthy eating, daily movement and good sleep habits, as well as other strategies, you can support your loved one or friend in managing their pain.

To better understand what pain is and the steps you can take to help it, check out the video below:


Could They Be Dependent?
Opioid dependence can occur quickly, often without even knowing.¹ If a loved one has been misusing prescription opioids, there’s a chance they could become dependent. Click here for the dependency screening tool.

Julie is committed to sharing her prescription opioid experience in the hope it will help others. To hear her story, click here.

If you are concerned about someone in your life who is taking prescription opioids, seek out support and discuss it with a doctor or pharmacist, or click here to discover additional support services.

[1] Shah A, Corey JH & Bradley CM (2017), ‘Characteristics of Initial Prescription Episodes and Likelihood of Long-Term Opioid Use — United States, 2006–2015’ in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 66(10).