Opioid Epidemic

Visit the North Carolina Opioid Settlements website for detailed information about the NC Opioid Settlement.

What is an Opioid?

Prescribed opioid medications are designed to relieve pain by reducing the intensity of pain signals reaching the brain. These drugs can be helpful for a short time, but it is important to know that they are highly addictive and can result in overdose.

Among the prescribed opioids are the following: Morphine (MS Contin®), Oxycodone (OxyContin®, Percocet®), Tylox, Demerol, Fentanyl, Hydrocodone (Vicodin®), and even cough syrup with codeine. Before taking prescribed opioids, consider the risks of addiction and overdose. Ask your healthcare provider about other options for pain treatment that do not involve prescription drugs. Medications that do not contain opioids, physical therapy, and other therapies can be effective for pain relief.

Some opioids, such as heroin and fentanyl, are illegal drugs that are highly addictive. Because they are not regulated, the doses vary which makes using them very dangerous. Still other opioids are used in the treatment of opioid addiction through Medicated Assisted Treatment programs (MAT). These include medications such as Methadone and Buprenorphine (Subutex®) which are highly regulated to prevent misuse. Visit the Health Department's substance use resource page for more information.

Addiction is a disease. Recovery is possible.

In Henderson County your hospitals, law enforcement, school system, non-profit agencies, and many more community partners have joined with behavioral health providers to find local solutions to this national crisis. As a coalition we are addressing prevention and public awareness, treatment, and harm reduction.

Here are some ways you can help:

  1. Ask your healthcare provider about other forms of pain management before accepting a prescription for opioids.
  2. ONLY take pills that are prescribed for you and take them as prescribed. There are counterfeit pills in our community that may contain deadly levels of Fentanyl. For more information, visit the DEA's website regarding their One Pill Can Kill campaign.
  3. Bring unused opioids to drug take-back events or to medication drop boxes. There is a box located at the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office Lobby
  4. Secure opioids with locked medicine boxes.
  5. Talk to your children and teens about the risks of painkiller addiction. Visit SAMHSA's website for Resources for Parents and Caregivers about how to start those conversations. 
  6. If you are interested in participating in the quarterly Henderson County Substance Use Action Team meeting, contact Jodi Grabowski at JGrabowski@hendersoncountync.gov