BCBSM Pharmacy Opioids Quiz

Opioid abuse and overdose is a nationwide epidemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 91 Americans die each day as a result of opioid overdose. In addition, more than six of 10 drug overdose deaths involve an opioid of some sort. Good news – opioid abuse and overdose can be avoided through information and education. Test your understanding of how opioids affect users physically and mentally by taking this quiz.

In 2015, how many people died from prescription opioid overdoses? Prescription opioids are pain relievers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone (Vicodin®) and morphine.

5,000

10,000

over 15,000

over 30,000

Nice Try!

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 15,000 people a year die from overdoses involving prescription opioids.

You got it right!

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 15,000 people a year die from overdoses involving prescription opioids.

Which of the following can increase the risk of an opioid overdose and death?

Higher dosages

Longer durations

Taking more often than prescribed

All of the above

Nice Try!

Taking opioids for a longer duration, at higher doses or more often than prescribed can all increase the risk of an opioid overdose and death.

You got it right!

Taking opioids for a longer duration, at higher doses or more often than prescribed can all increase the risk of an opioid overdose and death.

What constitutes prescription medication misuse?

Using someone else's medication

Taking more of a prescription than what's prescribed

Taking a medication for use other than treatment, i.e. to feel "high"

All of the above

Nice Try!

Prescription medications should only be taken by you and as directed by your doctor. Note: All opioids require a prescription by a licensed doctor, and prescription medications should never be shared with others.

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Your doctor may increase your opioid prescription over time. That means that your tolerance for the medication is increasing, not necessarily that you’re becoming addicted.

True

False

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Increased use of an opioid pain medication, when prescribed by your doctor, does not necessarily mean that you have an addiction, which means compulsive use of that drug.

You got it right!

Increased use of an opioid pain medication, when prescribed by your doctor, does not necessarily mean that you have an addiction, which means compulsive use of that drug.

When opioids are prescribed by a doctor they are always safe to take together with non-opioids.

True

False

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Non-opioids such as muscle relaxants, benzodiazepines (also referred to as “benzos” such as diazepam or alprazolam), or sedatives (sleep aids such as Ambien® (zolpidem)) can cause central nervous system depression leading to extreme sleepiness, decreased breathing, coma and even death. Always be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you take, both prescription and over-the-counter, to avoid any potential drug interactions or adverse side effects.

You got it right!

If your doctor prescribes an opioid for your pain, you should always ask if there are non-opioid options available that are appropriate to treat your condition.

True

False

Nice Try!

Incorrect. You are not required to take an opioid because it is prescribed for you. Non-opioid options are available for pain management and an alternative may be right for you.

You got it right!

You’re right! You are not required to take an opioid because it is prescribed for you. Non-opioid options are available for pain management and an alternative may be right for you.

Which of these are a sign of opioid use disorder (sometimes referred to as opioid abuse or addiction)?

Inability to stop using the substance on your own

Constant state of euphoria

Lowered, or lack of, motivation

All of the above

Nice Try!

Signs of opioid use disorder include depression, irritability, a constant state of feeling high or poor decision-making skills.

You got it right!

Signs of opioid use disorder include depression, irritability, a constant state of feeling high or poor decision-making skills.

Prescription medications containing opioids should be stored in a locked cabinet or box, not easy-to-access areas like medicine cabinets.

True

False

Nice Try!

Prescription medications containing opioids should be stored in a locked cabinet or box to lower the chances of toddlers, children or teens getting access to them. Some medications are so potent that even one dose could be fatal if accidentally ingested.

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It can be common to have leftover or unused opioid pills after being prescribed opioids for pain.

True

False

Nice Try!

Everyone experiences pain differently, and your doctor cannot predict how long you will have pain. It is likely that your pain will decrease, and you’ll have leftover pills that are not needed.

You got it right!

Everyone experiences pain differently, and your doctor cannot predict how long you will have pain. It is likely that your pain will decrease, and you’ll have leftover pills that are not needed.

If you have unused opioid medications at the end of your treatment, you should:

Store it in a medicine cabinet in case you have feel pain in the future

Give it to a family member who is experiencing the same symptoms

Find the nearest drug take-back facility

Nice Try!

A drug take-back facility is the perfect opportunity to safely dispose of any prescription drugs you’re not taking. To find a local drug disposal facility near you, visit the DEA website. There’s also National Drug Take Back Day events, often held in April and October of every year. Visit https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/ for more information.

You got it right!

Nice Work! You got right. Nice go! You got right. You have the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about opioids and educate your family and friends. You have some knowledge about opioids, but there is always room to learn more.

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