Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone (OxyContin®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), codeine, morphine, and many others.
While they are effective at managing pain when used as directed by a health care provider, opioids are highly addictive and can lead to long-term opioid use after just 5 days.
OPIOIDS ARE A LEADING CAUSE OF OVERDOSE AND OVERDOSE DEATH
From August 2017 to August 2018, there were 384 opioid overdoses, and 59 of these were fatal. Opioids are especially dangerous when combined with alcohol or other drugs.
According to a 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 75 percent of opioid misuse started with people using medication that wasn’t prescribed for them.
NALOXONE CAN REVERSE AN OVERDOSE
When used properly, the drug Naloxone can successfully reverse an overdose. People who use opioids should carry Naloxone with them at all times in case of overdose. From August 2017 to August 2018, 1,332 EMS patients in Hawai‘i were treated with Naloxone.
HAWAI‘I OPIOID DATA
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PROGRESS INDICATORS
1 Source: Death certificate database of Hawaii DOH. Based on average of 5-year period 2013-2017.
2 Source: Hospital emergency department and inpatient records, provided by the Hawaii Health Information Corporation. Based on average of 5-year period 2013-2017.
3 Calls in 2017.
4 Source: EMS patient care reports submitted to Hawaii DOH. Number for 2017.
5 Source: the Hawaii Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, Hawaii Department of Public Safety.
6 Source: the Hawaii Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, Hawaii Department of Public Safety. Patients receiving more than average daily dosage of > 90 morphine milligram equivalents of opioids last quarter.
7 Source: the Hawaii Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, Hawaii Department of Public Safety. Prescriber inquiries to PDMP before new opioid or benzodiazepine prescription is issued.
8 Individuals admitted to treatment program in the most recent month.
9 Source: the Hawaii Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, Hawaii Department of Public Safety.