Before It Starts

The mission of the Before It Starts – Opioid Prevention Campaign is to prevent opioid misuse before it begins through education, awareness, and community action. By helping individuals and families understand the risks of opioids, recognize warning signs, make informed choices, and connect with local resources, we strive to build a healthier, safer, and more informed community.

What is Opioid Use Disorder?

Opioid Use Disorder

Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), a substance use disorder, sometimes referred to as “opioid abuse or dependence” or “opioid addiction” is a problematic pattern of opioid use that causes significant impairment or distress. OUD is a treatable, chronic disease that can affect anyone – regardless of race, sex, income level, or social class.

Prescription Opioids

Anyone who takes prescription opioids can become addicted to them.

Monitoring Programs

Prescription drug monitoring programs and education around the risks of prescription opioids are some ways to help prevent OUD.

LEARN THE FACTS

How opioid addiction starts:
A simple way to explain the progression is:
> opioid exposure > repeated use > tolerance/physical dependence > continued or compulsive use despite harm (opioid use disorder- OUD)

Physical dependence by itself is not the same as addiction, and not everyone prescribed an opioid develops OUD.

Prescription vs Illegal Opioid Myths

MYTH

FACT

“Prescription opioids are safe because a doctor prescribed them.”

Prescription opioids have legitimate medical uses, but they can still cause dependence, opioid use disorder, and overdose—especially when misused.

“Illegal opioids are the only opioids that cause addiction.”

Opioid use disorder can involve prescription opioids or illegally obtained opioids.

“If I take someone else’s prescription opioid, it’s safer than using a street drug.”

Taking medication that was not prescribed for you is unsafe. Dose, interactions, and individual health factors can increase the risk of serious harm.

“A pill that looks like a prescription medication must be legitimate.”

Counterfeit pills can look nearly identical to prescription medications and may contain illegally manufactured fentanyl or other substances.

“Prescription opioids and heroin have nothing in common.”

Both act on opioid receptors in the brain. Prescription opioids can be medically appropriate when used as directed, while heroin has no accepted medical use in the U.S.

“You can always tell when fentanyl is in an illegal drug.”

You generally cannot see, smell, or taste fentanyl. It may be present in counterfeit pills and other illegal drugs without the person knowing.

“Addiction only happens when someone intentionally abuses opioids.”

Opioid use disorder can develop through a combination of repeated exposure and individual risk factors. Not everyone prescribed opioids develops OUD.

“If someone has become physically dependent on a prescription opioid, they’re addicted.”

Physical dependence can occur during appropriate medical treatment and is not the same as addiction or opioid use disorder.

Takeaway:
Prescription does not mean risk-free. Illegal does not mean identifiable. Know what you’re taking, use medications only as prescribed, and never take a pill that wasn’t prescribed to you.

Who is at risk (everyone)

Anyone can develop opioid use disorder. Opioid addiction does not discriminate by age, income, education, occupation, or background. While some people have a higher risk than others, no one who uses opioids is completely risk-free.

Risk may be greater with longer or higher-dose opioid use, taking opioids differently than prescribed, combining opioids with other substances, or a personal or family history of substance use disorder.

The best prevention starts with awareness. Know the risks. Ask questions. Use prescription opioids only as directed. Never take medication prescribed for someone else.

BEFORE IT STARTS — Education today can prevent addiction tomorrow.

MEDICATION SAFETY

Never take prescription opioids in greater amounts or more often than prescribed.

Avoid taking opioids with alcohol and other substances or medications. It is very dangerous to combine opioids with other drugs, especially those that cause drowsiness, such as:

Benzodiazepines (such as Xanax® and Valium®)
Muscle relaxants (such as Soma® or Flexeril®)
Sleep aids (such as Ambien® or Lunesta®)
Other prescription opioids

Do not share or sell your prescription opioids.

Store prescription opioids in a secure place, out of reach of others (including children, family, friends, and visitors).

Dispose of unused prescription opioids at the end of your treatment.

TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT

Crawford County Drug & Alcohol Executive Commission is a strong first point of contact for Crawford County residents. It provides assessments, case management, prevention, treatment referrals and recovery support, and can help people access outpatient, inpatient and detox services.

Stepping Stones, part of Meadville Medical Center, provides substance-use treatment including medically managed withdrawal/detox, outpatient treatment, counseling and medication-assisted treatment when appropriate.

Greenfield Counseling Services provides outpatient opioid-use-disorder treatment, including medication treatment and counseling

Crossroads Treatment Center of Meadville, PA provides outpatient treatment specifically focused on opioid use disorder, including medication-based treatment and recovery support.

Prevention, Naloxone & Recovery

Crawford County Drug & Alcohol Executive Commission also provides prevention programs and free NARCAN®/naloxone access. Its Certified Recovery Specialist program offers peer support, help developing a recovery plan, support during and after treatment, and connections to local recovery groups.

For peer support, Meadville Alcoholics Anonymous: 814-337-4019 and Narcotics Anonymous: 814-334-4529 are also local resources.

The Prevention Unit at Crawford County Drug & Alcohol Executive Commission, Inc. strives to meet your needs by offering a variety of topics, flexible scheduling, and adaptations to age, ability and other considerations. Many of our services are provided at no cost.

Call us today to discuss what we can do for you!

814-724-4100