Overdose Prevention

Of the more than 700 unintentional poisoning deaths in Oklahoma each year, six out of 10 involve at least one prescription drug.

Prescription opioids are the most common class of drugs involved in overdose deaths in Oklahoma being present in 85% of those deaths. In fact, more overdose deaths involve prescription opioids than all illicit drugs combined.

Although there have been great strides in raising awareness about the dangers of prescription drugs, many people are still unaware that the misuse or abuse of prescription drugs can be as dangerous as the use of illegal drugs, leading to addiction and even death.

• Only take medications as prescribed.
• Never share or sell prescription drugs.
• Properly dispose of unused, unneeded, or expired medications. 
• Secure your medications to avoid theft.
• Naloxone is a safe and effective drug that reverses an opioid overdose. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

• Prescription opioids can be prescribed by doctors to treat moderate to severe pain, but can also have serious risks and side effects.
• Common types are oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet), hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lortab, Norco), morphine, and methadone.
• Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid painkiller. It is many times more powerful than other opioids and is approved for treating severe pain, typically advanced cancer pain.
• Illegally made and distributed fentanyl has been on the rise in several states.
• Heroin is an illegal opioid. Heroin use has increased across the U.S. among men and women, most age groups, and all income levels.

Mailing Address:
Oklahoma State Department of Health
Injury Prevention Service
123 Robert S. Kerr. Ave Suite 1702
Oklahoma City, OK 73102-6406

Physical Address:
Oklahoma State Department of Health
123 Robert S. Kerr. Ave
Oklahoma City, OK

Telephone: 405.426.8440
Fax: 405.900.7588