An opioid is a class of drugs that includes both prescription medications and illegal substances used to relieve pain. They work by binding to receptors in the brain and spinal cord, which reduces pain and can produce feelings of euphoria. Both prescription and illegal opioids can be highly addictive.

Opioids may be naturally derived from the opium poppy (such as morphine and codeine), synthetically created (such as fentanyl and methadone), or semi-synthetically altered (such as oxycodone and hydrocodone).

Washington State is facing a severe opioid crisis, with rising abuse and overdose rates involving both prescription opioids and heroin. State and local agencies, health departments, and community groups are working together to reduce the harm caused by these drugs.

In Chelan and Douglas Counties, opioid-related overdoses and deaths have reached unprecedented levels. The spread of fentanyl—a synthetic opioid 50 to 100 times stronger than heroin or morphine—is driving this sharp increase

Common examples of opioids include:

• Prescription pain relievers: morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, codeine
• Illegal drugs: heroin

Opioids are highly effective for managing severe pain but have a high potential for misuse, dependence, and addiction. Overuse or misuse of opioids can lead to overdose.

Prevention

Youth-Communication

You can be an important source of information for your children and the youths in your life.  For advice on discussing difficult topics such as Opioids, Overdoses, and Personal Safety, please visit our partners at Friends For Life.  They have advice and information on how to keep your loved ones safe.

Talk to Teens About Fentanyl

Start the conversation | Friends for Life

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Overdose Reversal

• Naloxone
  • Opioids can quickly cause an overdose in the substance user.  The medication “Naloxone” can reverse an opioid so further medical attention can be sought. Naloxone, an opioid blocker, can reverse an opioid overdose within minutes and is safe to administer, with no effect on individuals not taking opioids. Naloxone is accessible to everyone, without a prescription, from pharmacies and many other locations. For more information, please visit our partners at the Washington Department of Health: Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution | Washington State Department of Health

• Where to find Naloxone – Local‍
  • Find Naloxone Near You | Stopoverdose.org
  • Order Free Naloxone (Narcan) to be delivered directly to your home here.
  • ‍Naloxone is available for free in our vending machine located in the lobby at 200 Valley Mall Parkway, East Wenatchee, WA (509) 886-6400

• Avoid Overdoses‍
  • Strategies to Avoid Opioid Overdoses
  • Naloxone Drug Facts English 
  • Naloxone Drug Facts Spanish 

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‍Treatment 

Opioid Treatment Programs (OTP’s) are available for those who are struggling with Opioid Addiction.  It can involve medication, counseling, detox services, and in- and out-patient counseling options.  

• Recovery Community:  The Alano Club Of Wenatchee is a recovery community that can be a safe place to learn about the first steps towards addiction recovery.  Recovery Coaches are available in a safe and supportive environment.

• Local Treatment Organizations

‍Public Exposure 

If you are concerned about coming in contact with fentanyl in public, please review this guidance created by our partners at the Washington Department of Health:

• (Fentanyl Exposure in Public Places | Washington State Department of Health)

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