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your pain is real. so are the risks.

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ā€‹My doctor gave me OxyContin after a car accident.  In a very short time, I was addicted and could not stop. After surviving three overdoses, I looked for other ways to manage my pain. Now, I use physical therapy and chiropractic treatments.

- Valerie

Manage Your Pain

This webpage will expire in 2023. Please see our new Overdose Prevention Initiative site and Resources for People With Chronic Pain webpage.

Opioid pain medications are good for managing short-term pain, but are less effective for pain lasting more than three months. Taking pain meds for more than 90 days or at high doses can lead to addiction, overdose, or death.

Check If Your Prescription Contains Opioids:

Commonly Prescribed Opioid Pain Meds in California (PDF)

Know The Risks Of Using Prescription Pain Meds:

Dangers of Mixing Pain Meds with Alcohol or Other Drugs

Talk With Your Doctor Or Pharmacist About Reducing Your Risks:

What to Ask Your Doctor Before Taking Opioids (See Checklist Under Item # 3)

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