Patients
Patients can refer to these resources when prescribed or taking prescription pain medications; disposing of unused or unneeded medication; or searching for addiction treatment resources. These materials were created by either federal or state agencies in an effort to address the current drug overdose epidemic. Learn how to safely manage pain and how to have a discussion with your doctor about whether medication is appropriate for you.
Are you at risk? Take the Opioid Risk Quiz.
Introduction
Take Charge of your health and safety when it comes to pain management. Explore the resources below to learn the facts about safe pain management practices, how to safely store and dispose of pain medications and treatment and recovery options
Brochure
Download this 4-page brochure to learn about safe pain management practices.
Handouts
Download these handouts to learn the warning signs of when someone is at risk of misusing or abusing prescription pain medication and safe pain management practices.
Posters
These posters on safe pain management and medication practices are available for download.
Get the Facts
Prescription Opioids
What You Need to Know Fact Sheet This CDC fact sheet, written for patients, details the risks associated with taking prescription opioids as well as the options available to patients for alternative pain management.
Pregnancy and Opioid Pain Medications Fact Sheet
This CDC fact sheet, written for patients, details what pregnant women should be aware of if they are taking opioids before, during and after pregnancy.
What Are the Risks of Opioid Pain Medications?
This fact sheet focuses on the side effects and interactions of pain medication including opioid use disorder and overdose.
What to Ask Your Doctor Before Taking Opioids
Opioids are not right for everyone. They can have some very serious side effects. Ask your health care provider these questions BEFORE taking opioids.
Managing Your Pain: Which Approach is Right for You?
Although prescription pain medications can be effective at treating certain types of pain, there are different treatment options and therapies available. This resource can be used to help you discuss your pain management options with your healthcare provider.
Safe Storage and Disposal
Disposal of Unused Medicines What You Should Know
Expired, unwanted, or unused medicines should be removed from your home as quickly as possible to help reduce the chance that others may accidentally take or intentionally misuse the unneeded medicine. Learn your options for safely getting rid of unneeded medications.
Ohio Rx Drug Disposal
Find a prescription drug disposal location near you.
Drug Disposal Site Locator
The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy offers a tool to locate your closest drug disposal site.
Naloxone Resources and Information
Ohio Pharmacies Dispensing Naloxone Without a Prescription
Find a pharmacy that offers naloxone without needing a prescription.
Treatment and Recovery
Chronic Pain Self-Management Program
Chronic Pain Self-Management Program is a free, six-week, community based program that helps participants learn evidence-based strategies to self-manage chronic pain and improve overall well-being. Find a workshop near you on the Ohio Department of Aging website.
Treatment and Recovery
Treatment works and people do recover. Everyone is different, and treatment should match the unique needs of the patient. Treatment options range from support groups to medication-assisted treatment in combination with traditional counseling. To learn more about finding treatment that is right for you, please visit our Learn More About Treatment and Recovery page. To learn more about helping a loved one who may be struggling with addiction, please visit our Help Someone page.
Medication-Assisted Treatment: Know Your Rights
This brochure explains the Federal laws that prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities and how they protect people receiving Medication-Assisted Treatment for opioid addiction (also known as “MAT”). MAT includes a medication (e.g., methadone, buprenorphine, oral naltrexone) approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for opioid addiction detoxification or maintenance treatment.
Treating Opioid Use Disorder During Pregnancy
Learn about Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder during pregnancy with this factsheet from SAMHSA.
