Opioid Safety

Safe Pain Medication Use for Older Adults (Opioid Safety)

Opioid Overdose Is Rising Among Older Adults

Protect yourself and your loved ones. Learn the risks, know the warning signs, and find help in Prince George's County. Older adults face unique risks that can make opioid overdose more likely. This page explains what opioids are, why the risk increases with age, and where to get support.

What Are Opioids?

Opioids are strong medicines used to reduce pain. Some are prescribed after surgery, injury, or for long-term pain. Others are illegal.
Common opioids include fentanyl, heroin, OxyContin®, and Percocet®. Misusing opioids can lead to addiction or overdose.

Important Facts About Opioids

Fentanyl is very strong. It is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.
Fentanyl is cheap to make and is often mixed into other drugs or fake pills without any warning.
Fentanyl and similar drugs are now the leading cause of overdose deaths in the United States.
Xylazine, also called “tranq,” is not an opioid but is often mixed with fentanyl. It can cause dangerous skin wounds and is linked to more overdose deaths.

Why Older Adults Face a Higher Risk

Opioid overdose among older adults has risen over the last 20 years. Reasons include:

Our bodies may process medicines differently as we age, which can change how opioids affect us.
Changes in health, mobility, or social support can increase the risk of substance use.
Many older adults live with chronic pain and may use opioids or other medicines to manage it.
Taking many medications at once is common. Mixing opioids with drugs like sleeping pills or anti‑anxiety medications can increase the risk of overdose.

Signs of Opioid Use Disorder in Older Adults

Changes in Alertness or Behavior

Unusual sleepiness
Confusion or forgetfulness
Withdrawing from family or activities

Physical Warning Signs

Slow or shallow breathing
Frequent falls or poor balance
Severe constipation
Pinpoint pupils
Pain that gets worse even while taking medication

Medication Concerns

Running out of medicine early
Taking more than prescribed
Seeing many doctors to get pain medicine
Worrying a lot about getting more medication

Mood Changes

Irritability
Depression or anxiety
Social isolation, especially after major life changes

Withdrawal Symptoms

Sweating, restlessness, nausea, muscle aches, or trouble sleeping
Confusion or sudden health problems when doses are missed

How to Stay Safe

Managing Pain without Opioids

Talk with your doctor about safe pain relief options. Many people benefit from exercise, counseling, acupuncture, or over‑the‑counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil). Avoid unproven treatments and get medical care if pain continues.

Safe Disposal of Old Medicine

Take unused medicine to a take‑back location.
Cross out your name and personal information before dropping off the bottle.
All collected medicine is safely destroyed. The DEA holds Drug Take‑Back Days several times a year: https://www.dea.gov/takebackday
Use the DEA’s search tool to find drop‑off sites in Prince George’s County.
Many pharmacies and clinics accept old medicine year‑round.

Naloxone Saves Lives

Naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose and is safe to use.
Maryland law protects people who use naloxone to help in an emergency.
To get naloxone or drug‑testing strips, or to sign up for training, email: prevention@co.pg.md.us.