Opioids (including prescription opioids and heroin) killed more than 33,000 people in 2015. In Wisconsin, more residents died from a drug overdose than from motor vehicle accidents, suicide, or firearms.
In 2021, deaths from fentanyl overdoses became the leading cause of death for 18- to 45-year-olds. Fentanyl is much more potent than other opioids and difficult to detect. It has been found mixed in with other drugs, including cocaine and counterfeit pills. Many overdoses occur in people who do not realize that they have taken fentanyl.
Eighty percent of all opioid overdoses are unintentional, and 85 percent of all drug overdoses are witnessed. Recognizing the signs of overdose and administering naloxone (Narcan) can save a life.
Find Narcan on Campus
To create a safer campus community, UW–Madison provides access to boxes containing naloxone in 35 locations on campus, which ensures the entire campus community has access to a lifesaving medicine that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose.
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Where to Find Fentanyl Test Strips
On Campus
Health Vending Machine in the Student Activity Center on Floor 3
Off Campus
Public Health Madison and Dane County
- 2705 E. Washington Ave
Madison, WI 53703 - 2300 S. Park St
Madison, WI 53704 - 2230 S. Park St
Madison, WI 53713
Vivent Health
600 Williamson St., Suite H
Madison, WI 53703
Community Pharmacy
130 S. Fair Oaks Ave.
Madison, WI 53704
Overdose Aid Kits (OAK) Boxes
Locations throughout Dane County
Overdose Awareness
Signs of Opioid Overdose
- Small constricted “pinpoint pupils”
- Unresponsive and cannot be woken up
- Slow, weak, or no breathing
- Making choking or gurgling sounds
- Limp body
- Have cold, clammy skin
- Have discolored skin, lips, or nails
If you suspect an opioid overdose
- Call 911 immediately
- Administer naloxone (Narcan nasal spray)
- Try to keep the person awake and breathing
- Lay the person on their side to prevent choking
- Stay with them until emergency responders arrive
Lifesaving naloxone is available at 35 locations on campus.
What are opioids?
Opioids are a type of narcotic pain medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. Opioids work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other areas of the body. They reduce the sending of pain messages to the brain and reduce feelings of pain. Opioids can be safe when taken for a short time and as prescribed by a doctor, but they are frequently misused. Regular opioid use—even as prescribed by a doctor—can produce dependence, and when misused , opioid pain relievers can lead to fatal overdose.
It is important to safely store opioids and safely dispose of them if no longer needed. Learn about safely storing and disposing of medications.
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Types of Opioids
- Codeine (only available in generic form)
- Fentanyl (Actiq, Duragesic, Fentora)
- Hydrocodone (Hysingla ER, Zohydro ER)
- Hydrocodone/acetaminophen (Lorcet, Lortab, Norco, Vicodin)
- Hydromorphone (Dilaudid, Exalgo)
- Meperidine (Demerol)
- Methadone (Dolophine, Methadose)
- Morphine (Astramorph, Avinza, Kadian, MS Contin, Ora-Morph SR)
- Oxycodone (OxyContin, Oxecta, Roxicodone)
- Oxycodone and acetaminophen (Percocet, Endocet, Roxicet)
- Oxycodone and naloxone (Targiniq ER)
- Heroin