Media Contact:
communications@safeproject.us
Arlington, VA – October 31, 2022 – SAFE Project is proud to join Athletico, CADCA, Connected Mind, Emergent, Goldfinch Health, Holmes Murphy, Jamie Daniels Foundation, Mothers Against Prescription Drug Abuse, Organizational Wellness & Learning Systems (OWLS), Safe States Alliance, SOLVD Health, and Youturn Health for a nationwide campaign to end the opioid addiction epidemic.
The campaign, “Five Days: Know the Risks,” recognizes that it takes just five days to develop an addiction to a prescription opioid. The campaign’s goal is to educate Americans on the risks of opioids as well as to empower them to prevent addiction as well as find alternatives to using opioids to address their pain management.
Opioids, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, tramadol and codeine, are highly addictive and come with risks if misused or overused. These risks include: dependency, depression, and even slower breathing and heart rate, which can lead to death.
Opioids are just one type of medication prescribed to alleviate pain. There are healthier options of which people may not be aware.
“When people are experiencing pain they may not realize the risks associated with opioids. There are other safe and effective options for pain management,” said Dr. Brandee Izquierdo, Executive Director of SAFE Project. “This campaign empowers people to have the conversation with their medical providers about safer alternatives. Everyone deserves to know their options so they can make the best decision for their individual health and wellbeing.”
Safer, healthier choices for pain relief, include:
- Non-habit forming options like acetaminophen, aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen.
- Prescription-strength Non-Steroidal, Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) or other prescription non-opioid pain relievers like antiepileptics, antidepressants, topicals, muscle relaxants, and steroids.
Always consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication. If the patient and doctor determine that opioids are the best course of treatment, follow their doctor’s guidance and use them safely and as prescribed.
The Five Days partners offer safe solutions for pain relief on their websites listed above. In addition to being shared collectively on social media, the 5 Days: Know the Risks campaign is also featured in the 2022 World Series program (pg. 68).
“Holmes Murphy & Associates is pleased to be part of this partnership to stand united against the stigma associated with addiction treatment and recovery. This strategic partnership reflects our desire to be part of a solution to the tragic crisis of overdose facing our country. We applaud SAFE Project’s leadership in education, advocacy and driving positive change in helping to create SAFE Campuses, workplaces, communities, and veteran populations.”
For questions about this campaign, reach out to SAFE Project at media@safeproject.us.
About SAFE Project
SAFE Project is a national 501(c)3) nonprofit committed to overcoming the addiction epidemic in the United States. SAFE Project provides transformative programming, training, and technical assistance based upon a collaborative, multipronged and nonpartisan approach within each of our key initiatives – SAFE Campuses, SAFE Communities, SAFE Workplaces and SAFE Veterans. Our work is fueled through six distinct, yet interrelated lines of operation: public awareness, full-spectrum prevention, prescriptions & medical response, law enforcement & criminal justice, treatment & recovery, and family outreach & support. SAFE Project turns hope into action. For more information visit safeproject.us.
