Opt Out

Ask for Alternatives

Talk to your doctor or dentist and ask about safer alternatives to opioids. These alternative treatment options can actually work better than opioids and have fewer risks and side effects. You can also avoid addiction. Most of the Utahns struggling with addiction received their first opioid prescription after a surgery or to treat a short-term injury. Don’t risk it. Ask for alternatives to opioids.

  • A combination of acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and ibuprofen (Advil®)
  • Naproxen (Aleve®)
  • Physical Therapy
  • Exercise
  • Certain medications that are also used for depression or seizures
  • Interventional therapies (injections)
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy

Changing the Expectation

It’s time for Utah to re-think it’s approach to opioids. Talk to your doctor about treatment options before you consider taking opioids. For most people, alternative therapies are the better, safer choice. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) now recommends opioids be reserved for cancer and end-of-life care.

78% of Utahns report talking to their doctor about alternatives to opioids for managing their pain. Before starting any pain therapy, have a conversation with your doctor about treatment milestones, including attainable goals for pain and function. Oftentimes, being 100 percent pain-free is not a realistic goal.