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Prescription Painkillers in the Workplace

This article provides information on the signs of opioid abuse in the workplace, including physical and behavioral signs. It also offers advice on what to do if you suspect opioid abuse and resources for help. The article includes information on common types of opioids, the risks of opioid painkillers, and alternative pain medication options. It also discusses the CDC guidelines for prescribing opioids for chronic pain.

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Prescription Painkillers in the Workplace

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  1. Prescription Painkillers in the Workplace What You Need to Know

  2. Signs of Opioid Abuse What you should know

  3. Physical Signs of Opioid Abuse • Unusual drowsiness/nodding off at random times • Dizziness • Constricted (small) pupils • Glassy eyes • Slowed breathing • Nausea • Constipation • Weight loss or decline of appearance

  4. Behavioral Signs of Opioid Abuse • Extreme mood swings • Irritability/angry outbursts • Anxiety • Euphoria • Confusion • Secrecy/dishonesty • More absences from work • Consistently late to work • Withdrawal from friends, coworkers and family • Change in friends • Neglecting responsibilities

  5. Medication Warning Signs • Taking medications for reasons other than physical pain • Loss of control over medication use • Taking medications prescribed for someone else

  6. Opioid Abuse What can you do?

  7. Suspect Opioid Abuse at Work? • Tell a supervisor as soon as possible (manager, security team or HR officer) • Confidential process • Do not be concerned you are risking a coworker’s job • You are reducing accident risk • You may be saving someone’s health/life

  8. Do You or Someone You Know Need Help? • UnitedHealthcare Substance Use Helpline: • 855-780-5955 • Available 24/7 for you or a family member • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Treatment Services Locator • findtreatment.samhsa.gov • Contact our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) • xxx-xxx-xxxxor info@ABCEAP.com • Confidentially contact Human Resources at xxx-xxx-xxxx

  9. Common Types of Opioids & Narcotics

  10. What Are Opioids? • Prescription-only drugs – treat and manage moderate to severe pain • Naturally found in the opium poppy plant • Also made in labs using same chemical structure • Relax the body and block pain signals sent from the brain to the body

  11. Common Narcotic Pain Medications

  12. Heroin • Made from morphine from opium poppy plants • White or brown powder or black sticky substance • Injected, sniffed, snorted or smoked • High risk of overdose or death • Increased risk due to high potency fentanyl added to heroin Nearly 80% of Americans using heroin abused prescription opioids

  13. If You Are Prescribed Opioid Painkillers What to do

  14. Did You Know? • Opioid painkillers can affect your ability to do your job • Opioid side effects • Drowziness, dizziness, nausea • Driving under the influence • Even if painkillers are legally prescribed, you can still be cited

  15. Talking With Your Doctor • Ask questions if you are prescribed an opioid painkiller • Ask about safety • Inform them about: • Additional risk factors (genetics, family history, trauma, mental health, history of substance abuse, psychological/social stressors • Other medications and providers • Be honest about your concerns • Discuss alternatives

  16. Alternative Pain Medication Options • Alternative pain medications for opioids carry fewer risks and side effects • Always check with your doctor about taking alternatives • Over-the-counter medications • Ibuprofen (Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol), naproxen (Aleve) • Prescription strength anti-inflammatory drugs • Celcoxib (Celbrex), diclofenac (Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine)

  17. Alternative Pain Medication Options • Select prescription non-opioids that target nerves that produce pain • Gabapenin (Neurontin), pregabalin (Lyrica) • Injectable and topical non-opioid therapies • Chiropractic services, physical and massage therapy, exercise, yoga and cognitive behavioral therapy

  18. If Painkillers Are Prescribed Inform: Talk with your supervisor or HR to let them know • Discuss your tasks • Talk with your supervisor before you perform safety sensitive tasks • Exercise caution • Driving, operating or working around machinery • Risk of serious injury or death

  19. Prescription Painkillers in the WorkplaceMore Information • XYZ’s Workplace Drug Policy • XYZ.com/humanresources/drugpolicy • Contact your manager/supervisor • Call HR at xxx-xxx-xxxx, ext. x

  20. CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain What you should know

  21. What is the CDC Guideline? • Developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) developed for primary care clinicians treating adults for chronic pain in outpatient setting • Developed to: • Improve communication between clinicians and patients • Provide safer, more effective care for patients with chronic pain • Help reduce opioid abuse and overdose • Provides recommendations to clinicians about appropriate prescribing of opioids to improve pain management and patient safety

  22. CDC Guideline –Patient Care & Safety • Nonopioid therapy is preferred for chronic pain (outside of cancer, palliative and end-of-life care): • The lowest possible effective dosage should be prescribed (to reduce abuse and overdose) • Clinicians should exercise caution when prescribing opioids and monitor patients closely

  23. CDC Guidelines –Before Starting Opioids • Make the most informed decision with your doctor • Learn about prescription opioids and the risks • Consider other ways to manage pain • Physical therapy • Exercise • Non-opioid medications (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen) • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

  24. Safe Prescription Opioid Storage & Disposal

  25. Did You Know? More than 70% of people using prescription painkillers get them from family or friends • Misuse/giving prescription drugs someone other than the prescribed can be: • Illegal • Potentially deadly • In 2015, the majority of opioid-related deaths involved prescription drugs • Flushed/drain-disposed Rx medications can contaminate the water supply

  26. Safe Storage of Prescription Painkillers • Store out of reach of children • Keep secure and out of sight • Consider storing in a lockbox, safe or locked medicine cabinet • Store Rx painkillers out of sight/preferably in locked drawer or cabinet

  27. Safe Disposal of Prescription Painkillers • Never flush or pour down the drain • Take unused prescription drugs to a collection program or event • Wisconsin Department of Justice DRUG TAKE BACK days in spring and fall (some locations are permanent) • doseofrealitywi.gov/drug-takeback/find-a-take-back-location/ • Local Police Departments (call to find out if they will accept) • Purchase mail-back packages from doctors, pharmacies, or police station

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