Opioid Safety
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a comprehensive approach to treating substance use disorders that combines medication with counseling. All medications used in MAT are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and MAT programs are tailored to meet the individual needs of each client.
Research shows that MAT can successfully treat certain substance use disorders, and it is often used to prevent or reduce opioid overdose. MAT is most commonly used to treat opioid addiction, but it can also be used to treat other substance use disorders, such as alcohol use disorder.
MAT works to normalize brain chemistry, block the euphoric effects of alcohol and opioids, relieve cravings and normalize body functions without the negative and euphoric effects of the substance being used.
MAT Medications
The most known medication for Opioid Disorders is Methadone. However, the FDA has approved several different medications to treat alcohol and opioid use disorders. MAT relieves the withdrawal symptoms and psychological cravings that cause chemical imbalances in the body. Medications used for MAT are evidence-based treatment options and do not just substitute one drug for another.
If you are interested in exploring these options, ask your counselor or primary care doctor for more information.
Alcohol Use Disorder Medications
Acamprosate, disulfiram and naltrexone are the most common medications used to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD). They are not a cure for AUD, but they are most effective when combined with counseling in a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program. All three medications are covered by Medi-Cal and available through your primary care doctor or managed health plan.
Acamprosate is a medication used to prevent relapse in people who have stopped drinking alcohol. It does not prevent withdrawal symptoms, but it can help people resist the urge to drink. Acamprosate is typically started on the fifth day of abstinence and reaches full effectiveness in five to eight days. It is taken in tablet form, three times a day, preferably at the same time each day. Acamprosate may have some side effects, such as diarrhea, nausea and headache. It is important to talk to your doctor about whether acamprosate is right for you and to discuss any potential side effects.
Disulfiram is a medication used to treat chronic alcoholism. It is most effective in people who have already gone through detoxification or are in the early stages of abstinence. Disulfiram is taken once a day in tablet form. It should never be taken while intoxicated or for at least 12 hours after drinking alcohol. If a person taking disulfiram drinks even a small amount of alcohol, they will experience unpleasant side effects, such as nausea, headache, vomiting, chest pain and difficulty breathing. These side effects can begin within 10 minutes of drinking alcohol and can last for an hour or more.
Naltrexone is a medication that blocks the euphoric effects of alcohol and helps people with alcohol use disorder to reduce their drinking and stay motivated in treatment.
Opioid dependency medications
Buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone are used to treat opioid use disorders for short-acting opioids such as heroin, morphine, codeine and semi-synthetic opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone. These MAT medications can be used for months, years or longer. As with any medication, consult your doctor before discontinuing use.
Learn more about MAT for opioid use disorders.
What is Fentanyl?
Pharmaceutical fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is approved for treating severe pain. It is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and is prescribed in the form of transdermal patches or lozenges. Fentanyl is now the leading cause of drug overdose death in the United States.
Most fentanyl-related harm, overdose, and death in the United States is linked to illegally manufactured fentanyl, which is often mixed with heroin and/or cocaine to increase its euphoric effects. Illegally manufactured fentanyl is also sold as counterfeit pills that can contain varying amounts of fentanyl and fentanyl analogs.
Unused Medication Disposal
Safe Drug Disposal
Leftover and unwanted medications can get into the hands of minors which may lead to accidental poisonings or intentional misuse. Improper disposal of medications can pollute our soil and water systems. To help people safely dispose of unwanted medications, Contra Costa County passed Ordinance 418-16 for Safe Drug Disposal in 2016.
Drop-off kiosks
Drop-off kiosks are typically secured, self-service receptacles located inside a host facility such as law enforcement buildings, pharmacies and hospitals. They are accessible during the normal business hours of the host facility.
Mail-back services
Free mail-back services are available to county residents who are disabled, homebound or when at least 3 drop-off kiosks have not been established in each supervisorial district in Contra Costa County.
Drug Take-Back Events
Take-back events are advertised locally and held at temporary locations that are selected by the program coordinating the event.
Preventing Overdoses
Opioid overdose is life-threatening and requires immediate emergency attention. Recognizing the signs of opioid overdose is essential to saving lives. Please review Overdose Mortality Data (CDPH) to read more about preventing overdoses.
What is Naloxone?
Naloxone is a medication approved by the FDA designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdose. It binds to opioid receptors and can reverse and block the effects of other opioids such as heroin, morphine and oxycodone.
The medication can be given by intranasal spray (into the nose with NARCAN), intramuscular (into the muscle), subcutaneous (under the skin) or intravenous injection. Naloxone is a temporary treatment. Is important to obtain medical help as soon as possible after administering/receiving naloxone. Read more about Naloxone or watch this Naloxone video.
In California, the Good Samaritan Law means that we can all help each other and save a life. Familiarize yourself with the signs of an opioid overdose:
- A person does not wake or respond to touch or voice.
- Breathing is not normal, very slow or has stopped.
- Pin-point sized pupils.
- Bluish lips and nose.