Opioids are powerful medicines that may be prescribed by your doctor to manage pain. Common opioid pain medicines are hydrocodone (Vicodin®) and oxycodone (Percocet®, Oxycontin®).
Ask about minimum duration and dosage, side effects and how to safely stop.
Ask about alternatives for pain management.
Naloxone can reverse an overdose caused by opioids. In Vermont, it's free to obtain and legal to carry. Get naloxone for free in the mail or for free at locations in your community.
Learn more about preventing and responding to an opioid overdose.
Drop off your unused and expired medications at a free kiosk at a location in your community or mail them to a disposal center using a free mail-back envelope. Both methods are free and confidential.
Even if you’ve never had a personal or family history of substance misuse, you can still be at risk for prescription opioid addiction.
Prescription opioids can rewire brain chemistry, making anyone susceptible to addiction. Stay safe, learn how to properly use a prescription and spot the signs of addiction early.
Opioids affect different people in different ways, but they are highly addictive. Withdrawal symptoms can develop in as little as a few days.
The signs of addiction can be easy to overlook. If you have been prescribed an opioid medication, be mindful of changes to your habits that may be early signs of opioid use disorder.
VT Helplink is a free resource for Vermonters, providing confidential, non-judgmental support and referrals based on your individual needs. A caring Helplink Specialist will listen to you, answer your questions, and help you or your loved one take a step towards recovery.
Call or text "LINK" to 802-565-LINK (5465) or toll-free 833-565-LINK (5465).
Vermont Department of Health
280 State Drive
Waterbury, VT 05671-8340
