Preventing Opioid Misuse

We can all take steps to prevent opioid misuse. 

• Talk to your children.
  • Here are resources for parents on preventing substance misuse
    • The Medicine Abuse Project - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids
    • Parents360 Rx Action Toolkit - Partnership for Drug-Free Kids
• Talk with your doctor. Discuss alternatives to opioids for pain management.
  • Opioids and Chronic Pain
    • Pathways to Prevention: The Role of Opioids in the Treatment of Chronic Pain
    • Video: Dr. Nora Volkow on Pain Research and Opioids
• Monitor your medications. Count your medications. Make sure they are safe and secure. Dispose of unwanted medications.
  • List of prescription drug collection boxes to dispose of unwanted medication

Prevention Resources

• CDC - Rx Awareness Campaign
• Factsheet: What You Need To Know About Prescription Opioids 
• Preventing Misuse and Diversion of Medication - American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Opioid Videos

• Video PSA: Prescription Drug Overdose Prevention
• Bridget & Craig's Story
• Rich's Story
• Kathy's Story
• "Riley" - a 9-year-old girl's viewpoint
• John - A Father's Story
• Proper Disposal  of Unused Meds in Trash
• Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) - Transcript

Posters

• "Help a Friend or Family Member"
• "Don't Let the Words Fool You - Opioid Addiction is Real"
• "Narcan Saves Lives"
• "Be Drug Smart: Laced Heroin Kills Faster"