Dose of Reality

Raising awareness about opioid prevention, treatment, and recovery and behavioral health in New Mexico. Owned by @NMHSD. Para español: @DoseofRealityES

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"Through this program, we're connecting New Mexicans with crisis counselors who can provide support to those who are feeling overwhelmed and stressed.” -Neal A. Bowen, PhD, director of Behavioral Health Services Division #CopeWithCovid

505-954-1057 @NMHSD https://t.co/oKyxJSW4QM

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Today marks International Overdose Awareness Day. No one should stand alone in our fight to end overdose, and everyone should be prepared with naloxone.

Naloxone saves lives by reversing opioid overdoses. It’s essential for everyone - whether you use drugs or not.

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During recovery month, we aim to celebrate every New Mexican in recovery while reducing stigma, connecting people and loved ones to resources, and encouraging those struggling to seek support.

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Because benzodiazepines (like Valium, Xanax, and Klonopin) slow your breathing and depress your nervous system, you should avoid at all costs:

Mixing with other depressants like opioids
Mixing with alcohol
Taking outside the prescription’s instructions

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Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can help individuals rebuild their lives.

MAT is tailored to meet individual needs and includes both medication and counseling.

Find treatment near you, or access MAT through Telehealth, by visiting https://t.co/9wAlZySYBE

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#FentanylFactFriday
Which one(s) did you not know?

Learn more and find resources at https://t.co/xmbUUI7v29.

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Benzodiazepines are prescribed for medical use as sedatives. Prescriptions such as Xanax and Valium are some of the most prescribed benzos for anxiety, sleep problems, and other conditions.

However, benzos are also commonly used for nonmedical purposes.

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Our identity is more than our struggles with opioids. These challenges can be managed with the right support.

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) helps block the euphoric effects of opioids and normalizes body functions without negative effects.

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September is National Recovery month, and we’re inviting you to save the date and celebrate with us.

Recovery is hard, and deserves to be recognized. During the month of September we’ll be celebrating all kinds of recovering.

Save these dates, and join us.

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Overdoses are on the rise, and unfortunately, many overdose deaths involve using and mixing multiple substances.

Mixing substances is called polysubstance (or multi-substance) use, and is very dangerous.

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Overdoses involving the use of prescription benzodiazepines and opioids are on the rise.

Know the signs and be prepared.

Learn more and find resources at https://t.co/xmbUUI7v29.

Para Español, visita Dose of Reality - Español

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Opioid dependence is a health issue, not a character flaw. It’s a chronic condition that needs proper treatment.

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can help manage cravings and support recovery. MAT is proven to be effective and can help individuals regain a healthy.

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Naloxone is always good to have on hand, especially if you or someone you know has been prescribed opioids & benzos together

As both are depressants (slowing your breathing), taking them together increases risk of overdose

Learn more & find resources at https://t.co/xmbUUI7v29

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#FentanylFactFriday
It is becoming easier for youth to gain access to pills without having to get a prescription from a doctor.

Talk with your kids about the dangers of counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl, and encourage them to only take pills that are legally prescribed.

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Join us in breaking the cycle of opioid substance use.

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines medication with counseling to help normalize brain chemistry and relieve cravings.

Treatment is available near you, including Telehealth options. https://t.co/mTE0cZxzPl

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POV: You’ve heard about the dangers of combining opioids and benzos, but you’ve been legally prescribed both by your doctor… What should you do?

ANSWER: Even if prescribed legally, using opioids and benzos together can be dangerous.

Para Español, visita @DoseofRealityES

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If you or someone you know is:
🛑 concerned about their safety
🛑 having a hard time in life
🛑 feeling hopeless, confused, angry, or lonely
🛑 worried about alcohol or substance use

Call, text, or chat with 988.

Help is confidential, free, and available 365/24/7.

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Signs of opioid substance use:
🛑 Cravings
🛑 Loss of control
🛑 Use is compulsive and continues even when it causes harm

Learn more and find resources at https://t.co/xmbUUI7v29

Para Español, visita @DoseofRealityES

#narcan #narcansaveslives #carrynarcan #harmreduction

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Together we can break the cycle of shame and stigma when it comes to recovering from substance use.

✅ Start recovery now
✅ Anti-craving medications work
✅ Treatment providers are available today

For help finding MAT near you, visit our MAT Map at https://t.co/xmbUUI7v29

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Because it can be so dangerous to mix opioids and benzos, even when prescribed, it’s more important than ever not to share your prescriptions.

If struggling, seek professional help.

Learn more and find resources at https://t.co/xmbUUI7v29

Para Español, visita @DoseofRealityES

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Anyone can become dependent and struggle with opioid substance use.

Two out of 3 New Mexicans know someone struggling with substance use. Many do not seek help because their struggle is perceived as a moral failing, and they are judged and devalued.

https://t.co/xmbUUI7v29