Michigan has taken action to prevent prescription drug and opioid abuse deaths and increase access to treatment for people addicted to drugs. Here you’ll find helpful information if you or someone you know may have a substance use disorder and what you can do to help end this deadly epidemic.

Treatment Resources

If you or a loved one is in need of opioid addiction treatment, you can find resources available for your county by clicking here.

Additional Treatment Resources.

Michigan's Good Samaritan Law

In order to prioritize saving lives, Michigan passed a Good Samaritan law in 2016.

Michigan’s Good Samaritan law prevents drug possession charges against those that seek medical assistance for an overdose in certain circumstances. This law makes saving lives the priority during a drug overdose, not criminal prosecutions of illegal drug users.

Michigan's Good Samaritan Law

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

For those that are addicted to opioids, alcohol, or tobacco, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) may be necessary, along with counseling. Find out more information.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Naloxone

In the event of an opioid overdose, there is a drug that can be used that can reverse the effects of the opioid. Find out what Naloxone is and how it’s used.

Proper Disposal

Find out why and how you can dispose of opioids and other prescription medicines here.

Treatment Services Locator

Use the Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator, a confidential and anonymous source of information for persons seeking treatment for substance abuse/addiction and/or mental health problems.

Prescription Drugs and Opioids in Michigan

Prescription drug misuse is a serious problem in Michigan. Prescription drug overdose deaths are on the rise across the state. Two types of prescription drugs are the leading cause of misuse. These are painkillers (opioids) and tranquilizers (benzodiazepines). Opioids include both illegal drugs, such as heroin, and prescription pain medicine. Common opioids used to treat pain include oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, methadone, and codeine.

From 1999 to 2016, the total number of overdose deaths involving any type of opioid increased more than 17 times in Michigan, from 99 to 1,699.  Data from the Michigan Automated Prescription System (MAPS) reported 11.4 million prescription for painkillers in 2015 were written, about 115 opioid prescriptions per 100 people.

Overdose deaths significantly increased as a result of increased prescription drug and heroin use.

A new development in the opioid crisis has been the increase of synthetic opioids. Synthetic opioids are chemically manufactured drugs. Synthetic opioids that are appearing across Michigan include fentanyl and carfentanil. These drugs are far more powerful and deadly than other opioids. Synthetic opioids are often mixed with heroin. Heroin users are often unaware that these powerful drugs are mixed into their heroin. Synthetic opioids are likely contributing to the increase in overdose deaths.

In 2016, 2,356 people died of drug overdoses. That is more deaths than car accidents.

This website provides information on prescription drug and opioid misuse prevention and treatment for patients and families, prescribers, community members, and pharmacists.

Information for Opioid Prescribers

State and federal government are acting to reduce improper prescribing of prescription drugs. Information on prescribing guidelines and updated monitoring systems is provided in this section.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provided a toolkit to reduce opioid misuse.

PA 246 of 2017 requires prescribers to provide Opioid Education using the state’s or similar Start Talking Form when prescribing an Opioid drug.  It does not have to be used when prescribing any other controlled substance that does not contain an Opioid.  This form must be completed and saved to the patient’s medical record only when prescribing an Opioid drug.

MDHHS-5730, Opioid Start Talking

MDHHS-5730, Opioid Start Talking - Arabic

MDHHS-5730, Opioid Start Talking - Spanish

CDC Prescriber Guidelines

The Michigan Automated Prescription System (MAPS) is a software tool that provides prescribers and dispensers with real-time prescription data and analytics of controlled substances and schedule 2-5 drugs that have been dispensed. MAPS assists clinicians make informed decisions and provides resources to better assess a patient’s risk for substance use disorder. MAPS is Michigan’s prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) and is administered by the Dept. of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

Michigan Automated Prescription System (MAPS)

Medication-Assisted Treatment Referral

Naloxone

Prescriber Resources

Information for Pharmacists

The State of Michigan and the federal government are acting to reduce misuse of prescription drugs.

Information on updated prescription drug monitoring programs and the naloxone standing order is found here.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provided a toolkit for reducing opioid abuse.

Naloxone Standing Order - for Pharmacist Use Only

Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs

Pharmacist Resources and References

Prescriber Resources