The Division of Public and Behavioral Health is working with other state and federal agencies, public and private health organizations and others to combat opioid abuse. If you or someone you know is experiencing addiction to an opioid drug or signs of withdrawal, help is available.
- Federal efforts to battle opioid abuse
Opioid abuse in Nevada
The Nevada Opioid Surveillance report, published by the DHHS Office of Analytics, contains a great deal of information about opioid-related poisonings, hospitalizations, emergency room visits and deaths.
What is an opioid?
Opioids are a class of drugs that include both legal and illegal substances. Doctors prescribe them for pain and can be safe when taken under supervision and when taken for short periods. For a list of medical opioids and information about them, click here.
Recognize the signs and symptoms of abuse
Although every drug is different, some physical signs of opioid withdrawal include:
- sweating
- shortness of breath
- runny nose
- headaches
- tremors
- racing heart
Some emotional signs include:
- stomach cramps
- nausea or vomiting
- diarrhea
- guilt
- fear
- anxiety
- irritability
- difficulty concentrating
While opioid withdrawal is not usually life-threatening, it is extremely unpleasant and painful, often lasting for several weeks. During this time, the addicted person seeks more of the drug in order to manage their withdrawals (i.e. "get well"). A person in opioid withdrawal should seek medical attention. Home remedies and just "sleeping it off" are not enough.
Where to get help
Remember you and your family are not alone. Help is available and recovery is possible. Calling one of the numbers below will connect you with knowledgeable people who can direct you to helpful treatment and support services.
- Creating a Healthier Nevada - scroll down to "Opioid-specific Treatment"
- Crisis Call Center - available 24/7 in both English and Spanish
- Call (775) 784-8090
- Text "ANSWER" to 839863
- Nevada Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Agency (SAPTA) - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
- WestCare Triage Center – a 24/7 detox center
- Medical emergencies
- General information about resources in your area
- Medicaid coverage information
Articles about Opioids
On our "Articles about Opioids" page, we will post interesting or relevant articles from various sources about the opioid epidemic.