Opioids are drugs used in the treatment of pain. As prescribed by a doctor, opioids can help patients in recovery. Opioids present a risk as they can become addictive. Regular use of opioids can lead to increased tolerance and dependence, which leads to seeking stronger, more frequent doses. You should only use opioids prescribed to you by your doctor.

Don't uses medications that aren't prescribed to you by a doctor.

Overdose

An overdose of opioids can cause a person to stop breathing, which can lead to death.

You should call 911 immediately if a person is exhibiting the following symptoms:

  • Their face is extremely pale and/or feels clammy to the touch
  • Their body goes limp
  • Their fingernails or lips have a purple or blue color
  • They start vomiting or making gurgling noises
  • They cannot be awakened or are unable to speak
  • Their breathing or heartbeat slows or stops

The medication naloxone can be used to reverse an opioid overdose. Anyone who is treated with naloxone following an overdose will still need to receive medical intervention as soon as possible.

Types of Opioids

Common types of opioids include:

  • Fentanyl 
  • OxyContin 
  • Hydrocodone 
  • Vicodin 
  • Morphine 
  • Codeine 
  • Heroin 

Powdered fentanyl looks just like many other drugs. It is commonly mixed with drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine and made into pills that are made to resemble other prescription opioids. Fentanyl-laced drugs are extremely dangerous, and many people may be unaware that their drugs are laced with fentanyl

Fact Sheets

Can you tell the difference between pills? Don't risk it.

 

Local Resources

Austin-Travis County EMS Community Health Paramedic (CHP) Program

Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) Support Program

This program aims to directly reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with overdoses on opioids. CHP personnel respond directly to 911 calls for apparent opioid overdoses when available to establish a connection with the patient and/or their friends and support network. This technique has proven to be more effective at gaining engagement with the patient, and often results in the connection to others suffering from Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). For opioid overdoses in which a CHP was not able to respond to the scene, CHP follows up with the patient within 1 day of the event. Patients are offered connection to OUD treatment including Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) utilizing a warm-hand-off process rather than referral. CHP Case Managers can assist with routine CHP support services such as funding, medical and mental health support, and housing. Finally, all OUD patients, their families, friends and support network are offered Opioid Overdose Rescue Kits.

To submit a referral for OUD Support, click here to complete the referral form.

Buprenorphine Bridge Program (BBP)

The BBP is a sub-program of the OUD Support Program that provides immediate, on-site treatment for Opioid Withdrawal, and daily withdrawal prevention treatment while the patient is being placed in a Medication Assisted Treatment program. CHP paramedics bring treatment with withdrawal-ending medication directly to the patient, and meet with them daily to administer the medication while establishing their entrance into an MAT program.

To request care for a person under the Buprenorphine Bridge Program (BBP), contact the CHP Duty officer directly at 512-956-9780.

Texas Harm Reduction Alliance

The Texas Harm Reduction Alliance (THRA) is a mobile-and-street-based outreach team serving people at risk of opioid overdose in the metropolitan Austin area.