Signs that someone is misusing and/or is addicted:
- Use of opioids even when it harms them.
- Crave opioids intensely.
- May show changes in behavior, such as drowsiness, isolation, or financial trouble.
Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S., with opioid addiction or misuse driving this epidemic. The Georgia Department of Public Health reports from 2019-2021, the total number of opioid-related overdose deaths increased 101%, from 853 to 1,718.
Opioids include not only the illegal drug heroin, but also prescription pain relievers, oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, fentanyl, and others.
Pain relief is most commonly cited as the reason for misuse of opioids, and close to half of those people who misused got the drugs from a family member or friend. It is critical to safely secure all medication by locking it away or disposing of medications at drop box locations to prevent accident, theft, or misuse. You can also destroy unwanted drugs at home using the Deterra drug deactivation system.
Camden Connection has lockboxes and samples of Deterra at our office, 531 N. Lee Street, Kingsland, GA 31548. Contact Megan Molix
Despite denial, getting help as soon as possible is crucial for recovery. If you or a loved one is ready to seek assistance for an addiction, the first step is to find a physician or other health professional who can help. Call the Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL) at 1-800-715-4225, available 24/7. Also, speak with your doctor about alternatives to opioid pain medication to prevent potential misuse.
In Georgia, you can purchase naloxone from your pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription. Naloxone is a drug that can save lives from opioid overdose with one spray. Consider keeping naloxone in your first aid kit.
You can safely dispose of unused medication in drop-off boxes at your local sheriff’s office and other locations:
209 E. 4th Street
Woodbine, GA 31569
95 John Wilson Street
Nahunta, GA 31553
1812 Newcastle Street
Brunswick, GA 31520
157 Public Safety Boulevard
Brunswick, GA 31525
30 Market Street
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
1965 Demere Road
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
