CALL 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
  • This national substance misuse hotline is free, confidential, and available 24/7.
  • Need Help?

Prescription opioids (also known as prescription painkillers) are a category of commonly-prescribed narcotics. Prescription opioids are typically in pill form, but can also be patches or liquids, such as codeine cough syrup. When taken as directed by a medical professional, they’re relatively safe and can be beneficial. However, there is always a risk of addiction. And that risk increases greatly with duration of use and misuse.

Are You Misusing Prescription Painkillers or Other Drugs?

Common signs of overdose (Call 9-1-1 immediately if you suspect an overdose)
  • Unresponsiveness or unconsciousness
  • Slow, irregular heartbeat or pulse
  • Slow, irregular breathing or no breathing
  • Vomiting or gurgling
  • Constricted pupils
  • Blue or purple lips and/or fingernails
Common signs of drug misuse
  • Unable to meet responsibilities at work, school, or home because of drug use.
  • Using drugs under dangerous conditions or taking risks, such as driving while on drugs.
  • Drug use is resulting in legal trouble such as stealing to support drug use.
  • Drug use is causing problems in relationships, such as arguments with family members and loss of friends.
  • Drowsiness
  • Shallow or slow breathing
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Slurred speech
  • Change in sleep habits
  • Mood swings
  • Extreme euphoria
  • Irritability
  • Abandonment of normal responsibilities
  • Decreased motivation
  • Depression
Common signs of drug addiction
  • A drug tolerance has been built up requiring more drugs in order to experience the same effects.
  • Drugs are taken to avoid or relieve withdrawal symptoms.
  • Activities once enjoyed have been stopped due to loss of interest
  • Drug use is continued despite interfering with work, home, or other activities
  • Life revolves around drug use.

Learn to recognize the potential signs of drug overdose and know the proper steps to take if you suspect someone is overdosing. This includes Naloxone, a Food and Drug Administration approved medication designed to reverse an opioid overdose while you wait for emergency medical help to arrive.

In Florida, Naloxone may be acquired by (1) being prescribed by a doctor or (2) visiting one of the nearly 150 organizations who offer naloxone, free-of-charge. To learn more about Naloxone and where you can find one of the free-of-charge dispensing locations, click here.

Get Help – Finding Treatment Resources and Other Services

Recognizing that you have a problem is the first step to getting better. Asking for help is the second step.

  • Check out a few of the free apps that are available to both iPhone and Android users. Technology is now being used by many as a tool to help an individual maintain their recovery.
  • If you are in a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
  • The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Referral Service provides free and confidential information in English and Spanish for individuals and family members facing substance abuse and mental health issues. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • For immediate and confidential help, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, call SAMHSA’s Toll-Free Treatment Referral Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
  • Also, SAMHSA provides online resources that can help you find the closest drug treatment facility to you: Online Treatment Facility Locator or Findtreatment.gov
  • Find the nearest Narcotics Anonymous meetings

Do You Know About 2-1-1?

Every hour of every day, someone needs essential services - from finding an after-school program to helping someone struggling with opioid addiction. 2-1-1 is a telephone-based service offered by nonprofit and public agencies throughout Florida and the United States. 211 organizations provide free, confidential information and referral services.

Attorney General Moody said, “211 is a great resource for people looking to begin their journey out of a personal crisis or substance abuse situation, and I am proud to partner with this well-established, highly regarded organization to help end the opioid crisis in Florida. If we are going stop substance abuse, we will need a unified front, and joining forces with 211 fortifies our forces and strengthens our ability to better serve those looking for a way out of the pain and suffering brought on by substance abuse.”

Trained professionals are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round, to help callers identify and connect with health and human service programs that can meet a variety of needs, including opioid addiction, crisis counseling and more. Services are available statewide through any cell phone provider as well as through landlines in all of Florida’s 67 counties.

In 2018, 211s in the U.S. reported handling 27,000 requests for referral services related to opioid abuse.

Find services in Florida near you now by using 211’s searchable database, here. This online resource, provided by the Florida Alliance of Information and Referral Services (FLAIRS) and the Florida 211 Network, is your 24-hour source of information about over 40,000 local health and community services in Florida. Or, see the map below to learn which 211 network covers your area and visit their website to learn more. Know that no matter where you are in Florida, dialing 2-1-1 will connect you to your local 211 network.

2-1-1 Map