Opioid and substance use has been an increasingly important topic, nationally and here in Arizona. While this epidemic continues to be all over the news, it&rsquo;s not just the headlines that get our attention. It&rsquo;s also the effect substance misuse has on the lives of our friends, family, and co-workers.&nbsp; 
 
One in three Americans is directly impacted by opioid misuse, the most fatal drug crisis in recorded history, according to the National Safety Council. Here in Arizona, there were 31,124 suspected opioid overdoses and 3,813 suspected opioid-related deaths from June 15, 2017, through December 26, 2019. The numbers go up every day.&nbsp;
The headlines may have you concerned about how best to manage a pain problem. If you're thinking about using opioids, here are five things to know:
1. Opioids can be a safe short-term solution. Prescription pain relievers (for instance, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine) are commonly used to treat pain related to surgery, dental procedures, and injuries. They can be safe when used as prescribed. However, they're usually not the ideal choice for chronic pain that is not related to cancer, such as pain from back problems or arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2. Misuse is common&mdash;and can happen to anyone. Using opioids regularly or long term ups the chances for misuse. By some estimates, as many as one out of every four people who use opioids for long-term pain control becomes addicted.
3. You don't have to be addicted to be harmed. The majority of drug overdose deaths in the U.S. now involve opioids. Even just one misuse (taking opioids in ways other than as prescribed) can cause a fatal overdose. For instance, taking too many pills at once can cause breathing to stop. If you're prescribed an opioid, take it only as directed. Mixing opioids with alcohol increases this risk.
4. Opioids aren't your only pain-control choice. If you need help managing chronic pain, ask your doctor about other medicines or physical therapy exercises. These other options are often effective forms of pain relief, according to the CDC.
5. Help is available if you are addicted. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance misuse, talk with your doctor. Recovery is possible&mdash;if you take the first step. Treatments, such as medications, can help.
Please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mobilizeaz.com/" target="_blank">MobilizeAZ.com</a>&nbsp;for an education and information resource that everyone can use to get the facts about opioids, risks of misuse, treatment, and recovery. Free materials are available to download and share.
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Resources: <a href="https://www.azdhs.gov/prevention/womens-childrens-health/injury-prevention/opioid-prevention/index.php" target="_blank">Arizona Department of Health Services</a>;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nsc.org/company/speeches-testimony/remarks-opioid-epidemic" target="_blank">National Safety Council</a>&nbsp;

Opioids and you: 5 fast facts

Opioid and substance use has been an increasingly important topic, nationally and here in Arizona. While this epidemic continues to be all over the news, it&rsquo;s not just the headlines that get our attention. It&rsquo;s also the effect misuse has on the lives of our friends, family, and co-workers.&nbsp;