An opioid is a class of drugs that include both prescription medications and illegal substances that are used to relieve pain. Opioids work by binding to specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord, known as opioid receptors, which are part of the body's natural pain control system. This binding reduces the perception of pain and can also produce feelings of euphoria.  Both prescription and illegal opioids can be highly addictive.

Opioids can be naturally derived from the opium poppy (such as morphine and codeine), synthetically created (such as fentanyl and methadone), or semi-synthetically altered (such as oxycodone and hydrocodone).

Common examples of opioids include: (list to come soon)

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• Prescription pain relievers: morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, codeine
• Illegal drugs: heroin

Opioids are highly effective for managing severe pain but have a high potential for misuse, dependence, and addiction. Overuse or misuse of opioids can lead to overdose.

‍Prevention

Mail Return

• Keeping medications secure and disposing of expired or unneeded medication can help prevent misuse, accidental poisonings, and overdoses.  Most medications are not safe to dispose in the trash as they can leak into our soil and groundwater.  
• Chelan-Douglas Health District is working with Washington Department of Health to provide safe medication disposal options in the region.  Medication Return Kiosks and pre-paid Medication Return Mailers are available at many pharmacies and other locations.  Medication return services are free and confidential.
• You can find these kiosks and order supplies at medtakebackwashington.org or 844-4-TakeBack (844-482-5322), TTY 711.
• Chelan-Douglas Health District has Medication Return Mailers available at our office 200 Valley Mall Parkway, East Wenatchee Our business hours are Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Help keep your family and environment safe.  Dispose of medication properly.  You can help prevent drug abuse in our community.

Youth – Communication

You can be an important source of information for your children and the youths in your life.  For advice on discussing difficult topics such as Opioids, Overdoses, and Personal Safety, please visit our partners at Friends For Life.  They have advice and information on how to keep your loved ones safe.

Talk to Teens About Fentanyl

Start the conversation | Friends for Life

‍Treatment 

Opioid Treatment Programs (OTP’s) are available for those who are struggling with Opioid Addiction.  It can involve medication, counseling, detox services, and in- and out-patient counseling options.  

• Recovery Community:  The Alano Club Of Wenatchee is a recovery community that can be a safe place to learn about the first steps towards addiction recovery.  Recovery Coaches are available in a safe and supportive environment.

• Local Treatment Organizations

‍Overdose

• Naloxone
  • Opioids can quickly case an overdose in the substance user.  The medication “Naloxone” can reverse an opioid so further medical attention can be sought.  For more information, please visit our partners at the Washington Department of Health: Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution | Washington State Department of Health

• Where to Find Naloxone – Local‍
  • Find Naloxone Near You | Stopoverdose.org‍
• Avoid Overdoses‍
  • 810-002 Strategies to Avoid Opioid Overdoses

Naloxone is available for free in a vending machine in the Chelan-Douglas Health District Lobby

200 Valley Mall Parkway, East Wenatchee - (509) 886-6400

‍Public Exposure 

If you are concerned about coming in contact with fentanyl in public, please review this guidance created by our partners at the Washington Department of Health:

• (Fentanyl Exposure in Public Places | Washington State Department of Health)

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