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Opioids are drugs that are derived from the opium plant or created synthetically to mimic the chemical composition of opium. Opioids are prescribed for pain management or addiction treatment, but they can be abused.
On average, 136 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose (CDC, 2021). In Massachusetts, there were 2,234 confirmed deaths in the year 2021 (MDPH Data Brief, 2022).
Naloxone is a life-saving drug that reverses the effects of opioids like heroin and fentanyl. Giving naloxone to someone who has overdosed prevents death by restoring normal breathing.
Naloxone rescue kits are available at many pharmacies across the state, with or without prescriptions.
Learn how to administer naloxone, to stop an overdose and save a life.
MA Responds to the Opioid Epidemic
MA Stop an Overdose with Naloxone
MA Protect Your Kids from Prescription Drug Use
CDC Understanding the Opioid Overdose Epidemic
Al-Anon Family Groups of Massachusetts
Alcohol and Drug Hotline: 800-821-4357
Health Helpline: 800-272-4323
Hunger Hotline: 617-523-7010
MA Substance Abuse Information Hotline: 800-327-5050
National Drug and Alcohol Treatment: 800-662-HELP
Poison Control: 800-682-9211
Safe Link Hotline: 877-785-2020
Samaritans (suicide help line): 988 Call or Text 24/7