Crisis assistance
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
TTY users call: 711
Available 24/7.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-7233
TTY users call: 711
Available 24/7. Anonymous.
Questions to ask your doctor
Even if you’ve already started taking your medication, there are questions you can ask your doctor. Ask what type of medication it is. If it’s an opioid, ask if it’s really needed to manage your pain. Other questions might be:
- Are there alternatives to this medication?
- Is my prescription potentially habit forming?
- Do I have to finish it if I don’t need it anymore?
- How do I dispose of unused medications?
Storage and disposal of medications
Keeping your family safe starts with properly storing and disposing of your medications when you're finished with them. Safe storage is simple, but if you're done with a medication, it's important to dispose of it as soon as possible. You can bring unused medications to a permanent disposal site, attend a Take Back Event, or choose a convenient at-home disposal option.
Warning signs of opioid use disorder
- A strong, often uncontrollable craving for opioids and an overpowering drive to use them despite negative consequences
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home
- Secretive or deceptive behavior, such as hiding drug use or lying about consumption
- Social withdrawal from friends and family or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using opioids, such as fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, or intense cravings
- Frequent injuries or accidents due to impaired coordination or judgment
Accidental opioid overdose
An opioid overdose occurs when opioids affect the part of the brain that controls breathing, causing breathing to slow down or stop. It can be a medical emergency, but recognizing the signs and responding quickly can make a lifesaving difference. With education, support, and tools like naloxone, overdoses can often be prevented or reversed.
Mixing drugs and alcohol
Drinking alcohol while taking certain medications, especially those that can make you drowsy, may increase the risk of serious side effects. These can include falls, car accidents, and in some cases, life-threatening overdoses.
Alcohol use disorder
Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition that makes it difficult to stop or control drinking, even when it affects your health, work, or relationships. The good news is that recovery is possible. With the right support, including therapy, support groups, and medications, many people successfully manage it and lead healthier lives.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and National Domestic Violence Hotline are independent companies, not affiliated with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
The information contained on this webpage is for educational purposes only. Nothing on this webpage is intended to be, nor should be used as or relied upon as, professional medical advice. Nothing contained on this webpage is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. For medical advice, or to receive medical diagnosis or treatment, consult with your health care provider.