The Next Step.
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In the event of an emergency, call 911 immediately.
Opioids are a group of natural or synthetic drugs used by individuals for pain relief. When used as prescribed, opioids are extremely effective. However, even when they are taken as prescribed, there is extreme potential for addiction.
Repeated use can lead to physical dependence in just a matter of weeks, and psychological dependence in only a matter of days. Therefore, The Next Step encourages those in need of painkillers to search for other options, such as over the counter alternatives as well as non-drug treatments that can be used for pain control. These alternatives are much safer and more accessible. Prescribed opioids can be used in dire situations, but extreme caution should be taken.
The opioid epidemic is universal, so this website is designed to be used on any mobile device in the case of an emergency.
If you are done using your prescription, you should dispose of the drugs immediately. Proper disposal is crucial to preventing the drug from getting into the hands of those who don't need them. These drugs should be dropped off at one of many different disposal locations, as seen in the map below. By not disposing of them, you put both yourself and family at risk. If necessary, it is also acceptable to flush opioids down a toilet to dispose of them. Below is a map with the locations of drop off boxes in Connecticut. Tap a location and press "Get Directions" to get directions to a location.
Map of Drug BoxesThere are a number of different signs and symptoms to look for in individuals experiencing opioid abuse or withdrawal. If you are experiencing these symptoms yourself or see them in a loved one, seek help immediately. Symptoms of abuse can be both physical, behavioral, or psychological. They include (but are not limited to) drowsiness, shallow or slow breathing, nausea, vomiting, constipation, physical agitation, poor decision making, slurred speech, irritability, lowered motivation, anxiety attacks, depression.
If opioid abuse continues in a loved one for weeks after they have finished their prescription, they are at risk of physical addiction. Withdrawl symptoms include nausea, chills, diarrhea, shaking pains, depression, insomnia, and fatigue. If you are experiencing withdrawals, work with your doctor to lower your dose over time, or seek help from a care facility. Mapped below are the care facilities that are available in Connecticut.
Map of Care FacilitiesIf a loved one continues abusing opioids over an extended period of time, then they are at risk of overdose. Naloxone is a drug which can prevent overdose in an emergency. Provided below is a map of all locations that distribute Naloxone in Connecticut.
Map of Pharmacies That Carry NaloxoneIf you or a loved one is in need of additional help with an opioid addiciton, please call the toll-free, 24/7, confidential Opioid Hotline with the button below. However, if you or a loved one is in danger, do not hesitate to call 911.
Hotline: 352-771-2700This website was made for the Connecticut Technology Council's College Tech Challenge.
Data used from this app was pulled from data.ct.gov.
For information on the creation of this webpage, please visit our Team's Github page.