Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED because of a problem with opioids. Opioids include some prescription pain medicines such as morphine, fentanyl, and oxycodone. The drug heroin is also an opioid.
The doctor thinks you have a substance use problem based on how often you are using opioids or how much you are taking, and how this is affecting your life. This is called "opioid use disorder."
To stop taking opioids and manage any withdrawal symptoms, you will likely need medicines and help from a substance use disorder specialist. You also might need help from a support group or counselor. Or you might need care in a special type of hospital.
Taking too much opioids can be dangerous or even cause death. Opioid use disorder can be life-threatening if you do not deal with it now. Help and treatment are available.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Take all your prescription medicines exactly as instructed. Do not share them with others, and do not take medicines prescribed to somebody else. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure all your medicines are safe to take together.
●Talk to your doctor about a plan for managing withdrawal symptoms. There are medicines than can help. They often need to be adjusted when starting to manage the withdrawal.
●Make a plan to stop using opioids and other drugs. Working with a doctor, counselor, or support group such as Narcotics Anonymous ("NA") or SMART Recovery can help.
●Avoid people who misuse drugs or take medicines without needing them.
●Think about what situations create cravings to use opioids. Avoid people or situations that make you want to take drugs or drink alcohol.
●Learn ways to manage stress. Your doctor, counselor, or therapist can help. Relaxation methods like reflection, deep breathing, and muscle relaxation can help. Things like yoga, exercise, and tai chi are also good.
●Keep naloxone with you at all times. This is a medicine used to treat an opioid overdose. Make sure you, your family, and your friends know how and when to use it.
When should I get emergency help?
●Someone should call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if you:
•Have severe trouble breathing, have slow or shallow breathing, have blue lips or skin, or stop breathing
•Get very confused, or have trouble speaking
•Get very sleepy, have trouble waking up, or cannot be woken up
•Have a seizure
•Feel like you might harm yourself or someone else. In the US and Canada, you can also call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
●Return to the ED if you:
•Are short of breath
•Have chest or belly pain
•Feel weak
•Feel like your heart is beating very fast or slow
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if you:
●Have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
●Feel very weak or tired
●Feel very agitated
●Feel like you will start using opioids or other substances again
●Have new or worsening symptoms
Patient education: Opioid use disorder (The Basics)
Patient education: Opioid overdose (The Basics)
Patient education: How to give naloxone (The Basics)
Patient education: Taking opioids safely (The Basics)
Patient education: Prescription drug misuse (The Basics)
