Understand the Risks. Protect Your Loved Ones and Community.
Get the facts about opioids, like fentanyl, and other commonly used drugs. Learn how to recognize the early signs of substance use disorder and take action before you experience a crisis.
Learn About: Opioids | Kratom | Fentanyl | Stimulants | Depressants | Cannabis
Looking for statistics? Download the National Surveys on Drug Use and Health Infographics. (PDF, 706 KB)
75%
...of all U.S. overdose deaths in US are from opioids.
2023
2,177
...people died from opioid-related causes in Maryland alone.
2023
What are Opioids?
Slang terms: oxy, perks, vikes, dope, H, raw, scramble
Opioids are a class of drugs that reduce pain and can create feelings of relaxation or euphoria. They include prescription medications like codeine, OxyContin, Percocet, Vicodin, and morphine, as well as illegal drugs like heroin and synthetic opioids, notably fentanyl.
While opioids are often prescribed for pain after surgery or injury, they carry a high risk of addiction and overdose, especially when misused or combined with other substances.
Short-Term Effects
- Pain relief
- Euphoria or deep calm
- Drowsiness and slow reactions
- Slowed breathing
- Nausea or vomiting
Overdose Warning Signs
- Slow, shallow or stopped breathing
- Blue or gray lips and fingernails
- Unresponsiveness or extreme sleepiness
- Gurgling or snoring sounds
- Cold, clammy skin
(Call 911 and give Naloxone if available)
Long-Term Risks
- Physical dependence and withdrawal
- Increased tolerance (needing more to feel the same effect)
- Risk of overdose and death
- Hormonal changes, chronic constipation
Injection increases risk of HIV and Hep C
What About Kratom?
Kratom is a plant-based substance some people use for pain or opioid withdrawal. It acts on the brain’s opioid receptors and can have both stimulant and sedative effects depending on the dose.
While some see it as a “natural” alternative to opioids, Kratom can still be addictive and carry serious risks. These include nausea, rapid heartbeat, and seizures. Potency varies widely, and it’s not regulated.
Myths vs. Facts
There’s a lot of misinformation out there which can be dangerous. These common myths lead to risky decisions. Let’s set the record straight.
You can't overdose the first time.
You can, and many do.
Fentanyl has a taste or smell.
It does not. You won't know it's there.
You'll get in trouble for calling 911.
MD's Good Samaritan Law protects you.
Ony addicts overdose.
No. Anyone can, even first-time or casual users.
Cocaine, Meth, Adderall
Slang terms: coke, blow, crank, ice, speed, addys, study buddies
Stimulants speed up the body’s systems, increasing energy, alertness, and confidence. Forms like cocaine, methamphetamine, or misused ADHD medications can lead to serious health risks. The risks are magnified when mixed with other drugs or taken in high doses. Stimulant-related deaths are rising, 147 in MD from Jan–Mar 2024 alone.
Short-Term Effects
- Rapid euphoria followed by sedation
- Extreme drowsiness
- Confusion, dizziness
- Slowed or stopped breathing
Overdose Warning Signs
- Slow, shallow or stopped breathing
- Blue or gray lips and fingernails
- Unresponsiveness or extreme sleepiness
- Gurgling or snoring soundsv
- Cold, clammy skin
(Call 911 and give Naloxone if available)
Long-Term Risks
- High chance of accidental overdose
- Undetectable visually or by smell Often unknowingly consumed
- May cause brain damage in survivvors due to oxygen loss
Benzos (like Xanax), sleeping pills, alcohol
Slang terms: xannies, bars, benzos, booze, sauce
Depressants slow brain activity, leading to relaxation, drowsiness, or sleep. This category includes prescription drugs like benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax), sedatives, and alcohol.
Misuse, especially mixing with opioids, can dangerously suppress breathing and increase overdose risk.
- Benzodiazepines were involved in about 14% of U.S. opioid deaths in 2023
- In Maryland, alcohol was present in roughly 1 in 3 fatal overdoses
- Nearly 25% of all traffic deaths in the state involve impaired driving
- Montgomery County police made 772 DUI arrests last year, about two per day
Short-Term Effects
- Relaxation or sedation
- Slurred speech, blackouts
- Slowed coordination
Side Effects / Warning Signs
- Trouble staying awake, unconscious
- Vomiting while unconscious
- Stopped breathing (especially with opioids)
Risks
- Dangerous if combined with opioids
- Life-threatening withdrawal
- Liver disease, falls, depression
Cannabis
Slang terms: weed, loud, green, ganja, bud
Cannabis is now legal for adults 21+ in Maryland, but that doesn’t make it risk-free. While overdose is rare, frequent use, especially in teens, can impact mental health, memory, and motivation.
About 1 in 10 adult users will develop some level of cannabis use disorder, and that risk is even higher for teens. Cannabis use disorder is when someone keeps using marijuana despite it causing problems with their health, relationships, or responsibilities.
Short-Term Effects
- Relaxation or anxiety
- Dry mouth, red eyes
- Slowed coordination
Side Effects / Warning Signs
- Severe anxiety or panic
- Hallucinations
- Repeated vomiting (cannabinoid hyperemesis)
Risks
- Cannabis use disorder (1 in 10 adults, higher in teens)
- Long-term memory or attention issues
- Possibility of street cannabis being laced with fentanyl
Signs of Substance Use Disorder
Recognizing addiction early can save lives. Whether you’re worried about yourself or someone you know, these are common signs to look for:
Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
Substance use can replace former hobbies and passions, leaving little motivation for anything else.
Withdrawing from family or friends
People struggling with addiction often isolate themselves to hide their use or avoid judgment.
Neglecting responsibilities at school, work, or home
Declining performance, missed deadlines, and skipped obligations are often early indicators of a deeper issue.
Needing more of a substance to feel the same effect (tolerance)
Over time, the body adapts, requiring larger doses to achieve the same high or relief.
Failed attempts to cut down or stop using
Even with a desire to stop, repeated unsuccessful attempts may signal a developing dependency.
Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from a substance
When substance use becomes the center of daily life, it often disrupts routines, health, and relationships.
Using substances even when it causes problems
Continued use despite harm to one’s health, relationships, finances, or legal standing is a strong warning sign.
Note: Substance Use Disorder is a medical condition, not a failure. Treatment and support are available.
Get Naloxone (Narcan) and Be Ready to Respond
Watch the 44-second Naloxone training video to learn how to reverse an opioid overdose. Then, request a free Naloxone (Narcan) kit for your home, office, or community.
