Drug Screening

Gilmer County Health Department offers commercial drug and alcohol screening services.  Contact us at (304) 462-7351 or by e-mail for additional program information and pricing.

Prescription opioids (like hydrocodone, oxycodone, and morphine) can be prescribed by doctors to treat moderate to severe pain, but have serious risks and side effects.

From 1999 to 2017, more than 200,000 people died from overdoses related to prescription opioids, with more than 17,000 prescription opioid overdose deaths occurring in 2017.

The most common drugs involved in prescription opioid overdose deaths include:

• Oxycodone (such as OxyContin®)
• Hydrocodone (such as Vicodin®)
• Methadone

Overdose is not the only risk related to prescription opioids. Misuse, abuse, and opioid use disorder (addiction) are also potential dangers.

Anyone who takes prescription opioids can become addicted to them.

• Know Your Options
• Expectations for Opioid Therapy
• Frequently Asked Questions

Signs of an Overdose:

You may have seen someone who looks like they may be under the influence of prescription opioids. Recognizing an opioid overdose can be difficult.  Here are a few signs and symptoms to look out for:

• Unconsciousness or unresponsiveness
• Shallow breathing or no breathing
• Pinpoint pupils

If you suspect someone is overdosing or in distress, it is important that you don’t leave the person alone and that you call 911 and seek immediate medical care for the individual.

Overdose Prevention:

You have a role in preventing opioid-related overdoses. It starts with learning more about prescription opioids and reducing risk in your home and in your community. Here are a few steps you can take to help:

If you are taking opioids –

• Talk with your doctor to fully understand benefits and risks of prescription opioids before taking them.
• Make sure you’re getting care that is safe, effective, and right for you. Talk with your doctor about setting goals for management of your pain.
• Ask your doctor about non-opioid options for treating pain, including medications other than opioids as well as nonpharmacologic options, like exercise.
• Always let your doctor know about any side effects or concerns you may have.

Practice Responsible Use –

• Never take opioids in greater amounts or more often than prescribed.
• Always let your doctor know about any side effects or concerns you may have about using opioids.
• 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.
• Do not share or sell your prescription opioids.
• Safely store your medications.