Opioids

Substance Definitions

Substance Use: The use of alcohol or drugs. This includes any kind of alcohol, marijuana, heroin, prescrpition opiates, or cocaine.

Substance Misues: The difference between healthy substance use (such as drinking in moderation) and unhealthy use (such as drinking in excess or "binge" drinking). "Misuse" can refer to various things such as using prescription drugs any way other than prescribed, using someone else's prescription, or repeated use of a substance to alleviate stress.

Substance Abuse: Having severe substance use disorder, or being unable to stop using a substance or substances no matter how bad the consequences. The key difference between misusing drugs and abusing drugs is the intent of use. Someone may misuse drugs to achieve a goal — staying awake longer, numbling pain, etc., but someone who abuses drugs is looking to induce certain feelings and fulfill a craving substance.

Overdoes Recognition

If a person appears too high or on the verge of an overdose but is still conscious, walk them around, keep them awake, and monitor their breathing
If someone is high and making unfamiliar sound while "sleeping," try to wake them up. Many loved ones of users have thought a person was snoring when they were overdosing.
It is rare for someone to die immediately from an overdose. When people survive an overdose, it's because someone was there to respond. It's important to act right away.
Always carry naloxone to reverse an overdoes if you or someone you know uses substances such as opioids.