Resources for
Substance use

Substance use

The following materials were created prior to the merger between the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) and the Utah Department of Human Services (UDHS). These materials are only available upon request.

Opioid fatality review committee veterans report, 2020.

The 2020 Opioid Fatality Review Committee (OFRC) Veterans Report focuses on opioid overdose deaths among Utah veterans and active military personnel, revealing that 65% of overdose deaths involved opioids. The report highlights the mental health struggles of veterans, with nearly half receiving mental illness treatment at the time of death, and makes several recommendations for improving care, support, and prevention efforts.

Opioid fatality review committee, 2019.

The 2019 Opioid Overdose Recent Release Report focuses on opioid overdose deaths among individuals recently released from institutions such as hospitals, jails, and psychiatric facilities. It highlights the increased risk due to decreased opioid tolerance after release and offers recommendations for improving care, including Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) during incarceration and post-surgical safety planning.

Opioid fatality review committee hot spots, 2019.

The 2019 Opioid Overdose Hot Spots Report identifies areas in Utah, such as Carbon/Emery County and Ogden (Downtown), with significantly higher rates of opioid overdose deaths. It offers targeted prevention recommendations, including expanding Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in incarceration settings and enhancing public education on naloxone use and safe opioid storage.

Gabapentin report, 2018.

The 2018 Gabapentin and Prescription Opioids Report highlights the rising concern over gabapentin misuse, particularly when combined with opioids, which significantly increases the risk of fatal overdose. In Utah, between 2014 and 2016, females accounted for 64% of gabapentin-related overdose deaths, with the highest rates occurring among individuals aged 45-54.

Opioid deaths, 2015.

The 2015 Prescription Opioid Deaths Report highlights that Utah experienced an average of 24 prescription opioid overdose deaths per month in 2015, with the highest death rates occurring among individuals aged 45-54. Although prescription opioid deaths have decreased since 2010, heroin-related deaths have risen during the same period.

The following materials were created prior to the merger between the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) and the Utah Department of Human Services (UDHS). These materials are only available upon request.

Prescription opioid deaths, 2011.

The 2011 Prescription Opioid Deaths report for Utah reveals that an average of 23 Utahns died each month from prescription opioid overdoses, with oxycodone being the most common drug involved in these fatalities. The report highlights that the majority of these deaths occurred at home, with males aged 18-34 having significantly higher death rates than females in the same age groups.

Prescription opioid deaths infographic bottle.

The 2012 RX Bottle Infographic highlights that 21 adults died from prescription overdose each month in Utah, with oxycodone, methadone, and hydrocodone being the top contributors. It also notes that females aged 45-54 were more likely to die from prescription pain medication overdose, while males under 34 had higher death rates.

SUDORS summary card, 2020.

The 2020 SUDORS Summary for Utah reports that there were 535 unintentional and undetermined intent drug overdose deaths, with males aged 35-44 and White, non-Hispanic individuals experiencing the highest overdose rates. Methamphetamine was involved in the largest percentage of deaths (37.1%), with 73% of deaths involving at least one opioid, and 81% of the deaths had at least one opportunity for intervention, such as a bystander presence.

Naloxone written instructions.

The "Naloxone Written Instructions" document provides step-by-step guidance on how to administer naloxone (NARCAN®) Nasal Spray to reverse opioid overdoses, including calling 911, performing rescue breathing, and administering the nasal spray every 2-3 minutes if necessary. It also highlights overdose risk factors, such as combining opioids with other drugs, and emphasizes that naloxone works only for opioid-related overdoses.

Opioid prescription brochure.

The Opioid Prescription Brochure provides essential information about managing pain safely, highlighting alternative treatments such as physical therapy, acupuncture, and over-the-counter pain relievers. It also emphasizes the risks of opioid use, including dependence, overdose, and addiction, while encouraging the use of naloxone to reverse overdoses and the safe disposal of unused medications.

Talk to your pharmacist toolkit.

The "Talk to Your Pharmacist Toolkit" is designed to help Utah pharmacists educate customers about the risks of prescription opioids, including dependency, addiction, and overdose. It provides materials such as warning stickers, brochures, and talking points to guide conversations about opioid safety, naloxone use, and proper medication storage and disposal.

Opioid clinical guidelines.

The "Utah Clinical Guidelines on Prescribing Opioids for Treatment of Pain" provides recommendations for managing acute and chronic pain with opioid medications, emphasizing non-opioid alternatives and careful patient evaluation. It outlines strategies for minimizing the risks of opioid use, including prescribing the lowest effective dose, monitoring patient progress, and providing education on naloxone and safe medication practices.

SIAC-134 Utah DMI fentanyl report, 2021.

The 2021 Utah Fentanyl Report from the Utah Drug Monitoring Initiative (DMI) highlights the alarming rise in fentanyl-related deaths and seizures in the state, with a 125% increase in fentanyl overdose deaths from 2019 to 2020. It emphasizes the growing threat posed by counterfeit pills and suggests expanding naloxone distribution, fentanyl test strip access, and public awareness campaigns to combat the crisis.

For additional resources and a link to Stop the Opidemic website. This site gives information about medications to help with substance use such as; naloxone, fentanyl test strips, etc.

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Resources for Substance use

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Resources for
Substance use

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