Opioids
Wisconsin Substance Use Summit: August 5-6, 2026
Interested in building healthy communities through substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery services and supports? Join us in Green Bay or virtually for this first-of-its-kind learning and networking event. Visit the Wisconsin Substance Use Summit page to learn more.
Opioids are powerful drugs. The nonmedical use of prescription pain relievers, fentanyl, and heroin hurt Wisconsin residents every day. Together, we can reduce the dangers of opioids and their impact on our communities.
- Drug Take Back Day: See information on collection sites for the April 25, 2026, event
- Opioid settlement funds: See updates on our work related to opioid settlement funds
Understand opioids
When you know about opioids and their impact on your family, friends, and communities, you can have more effective real talks.
Start talking
Real talks are open and honest conversations. Talking with the people in your life about opioids can be awkward, but it is one of the most important things you can do for them.
Use safely
Opioids can have adverse effects. There are steps that can be taken to reduce these effects.
Get rid of unused drugs
Safely disposing of unused and expired medications helps protect the people around you and your environment. There are many safe disposal options available to everyone throughout Wisconsin.
Respond to an overdose
Anyone who uses opioids can experience an overdose at any time. When a person survives an opioid overdose, it’s because someone knew what was happening and how to take action.
Get help
Opioid use disorder is a medical condition that can affect anyone who uses opioids. Wherever you or someone you care about may be in a struggle with opioids, there are people ready to help. In Wisconsin, no one is alone in their journey to overcome opioid use disorder.
Understand best practices
Pharmacists, prescribers, and other professionals are key partners in safely managing prescriptions, increasing access to medication that reverses an opioid overdose, and offering high-quality treatment to people with an opioid use disorder.
Review data
Opioid misuse affects all genders, all races, and many age groups in both rural and urban communities.
Share materials
Build healthy communities by raising awareness of the dangers of opioids, ways to use opioids safely, and treatment options for people with an opioid use disorder.
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