ABOUT US
Approximately 70,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the U.S. in 2017, a majority of which were related to opioids. The Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative (RALI) convenes leaders and provides resources to prevent misuse of prescription medicines and help put an end to the opioid crisis.
Organizations across the country are working to make a difference and save lives. Learn about RALI partners at the national level who are working together to address the opioid crisis:
LEADERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
RESOURCE CENTER
Across the country, families and communities are deeply affected by the opioid crisis. No one should have to struggle alone. Here are some resources that can help:
SAMHSA’s National Helpline
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the Department of Health and Human Services hosts a treatment and referral service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (1-800-662-4357), as well as an extensive online resource center and opioid program directory.
Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA)
CADCA provides numerous resources for community leaders working to address the crisis, including an online toolkit for addressing substance use disorders in veteran populations, and much more.
SAFE USE & DISPOSAL​
Everyone can play a role in helping prevent addiction from prescription drug misuse by safely using, storing and disposing of prescription medications.
SAFELY USE:
SAFELY USE:
SAFELY STORE:
SAFELY DISPOSE:
ALWAYS TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR
ABOUT HOW TO USE A PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION BEFORE TAKING IT.
BE SURE TO FOLLOW DOSING
RECOMMENDATIONS CLOSELY.
DON'T MIX MEDICATIONS WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING WITH YOUR DOCTOR. NEVER MIX PRESCRIPTION OPIOIDS WITH ALCOHOL.
DON’T TAKE SOMEONE ELSE’S
MEDICATION.
One of the best things we can all do to help address the nation’s addiction crisis is to safely dispose of unneeded unused prescription medications. There are several options:
YOU CAN USE HOUSEHOLD MATERIALS TO DISPOSE OF YOUR UNUSED MEDICATIONS. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS MIX YOUR MEDICINES WITH KITTY LITTER OR OLD COFFEE GROUNDS IN AN AIRTIGHT CONTAINER AND DISPOSE OF IT IN YOUR TRASH CAN.
YOU CAN VISIT A DRUG TAKEBACK CENTER IN YOUR COMMUNITY. CLICK HERE TO FIND A LOCATION NEAR YOU.
YOU CAN USE A HOME DISPOSAL KIT – YOU’LL PUT UNUSED MEDICATIONS IN THE INCLUDED POUCH, ADD WATER, SEAL AND DISPOSE OF IT IN THE TRASH.
To learn more about safe use and storage of prescription medication at home, download a helpful brochure from Zero Left.
SAFELY STORE:
ALWAYS KEEP PRESCRIPTION
MEDICATIONS IN A LOCKED OR
SECURE PLACE – AND ALWAYS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
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HAVE A FAMILY CONVERSATION
ABOUT THE DANGERS OF MISUSING PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION.
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NEVER SHARE MEDICATIONS WITH FAMILY MEMBERS.
SAFELY DISPOSE:
ONCE YOU ARE FINISHED USING A PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION AS
DIRECTED BY A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL, YOU SHOULD SAFELY DISPOSE OF IT RATHER THAN KEEP IT IN YOUR MEDICINE CABINET FOR FUTURE USE.
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THERE ARE SEVERAL WAYS TO EASILY AND SAFELY DISPOSE OF UNUSED MEDICATIONS RIGHT AT HOME.
LEARN MORE BELOW.
WARNING SIGNS
If someone you know has started misusing opioids, early intervention is critically important. Learning the warning signs of opioid addiction can help protect your family, friends and communities:
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Many physical and behavioral changes could indicate that someone is misusing prescription opioids or illegal drugs, like heroin or fentanyl.
Common signs of opioid misuse:
PHYSICAL
SIGNS:
​INCREASE IN FATIGUE OR DROWSINESS
RAPID WEIGHT LOSS
FREQUENT CONSTIPATION
OR NAUSEA
DECLINE IN PERSONAL HYGIENE
WEARING LONG SLEEVES REGARDLESS OF THE SEASON
BEHAVIORAL
SIGNS:
UNEXPLAINED ABSENCES FROM SCHOOL OR WORK
LOSS OF INTEREST IN HOBBIES
A DROP IN GRADES OR PERFORMANCE AT WORK
SPENDING LESS TIME WITH FRIENDS OR FAMILY
HANGING OUT WITH A NEW FRIEND GROUP
INDICATORS
IN THE HOME:
MISSING PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS
EMPTY PILL BOTTLES
PARAPHERNALIA, SUCH AS SYRINGES, SHOE LACES OR RUBBER HOSE, KITCHEN SPOONS, ALUMINUM FOIL, STRAWS, LIGHTERS
Spotting warning signs in teenagers and young adults can be particularly hard
because young people go through many emotional and physical changes.
Seeking out trusted resources can help.
If you suspect a loved one is misusing opioids, there are a number of resources that can help prepare you for a conversation with them.
For parents of young adults who may be misusing opioids, it’s important to talk to your family doctor about prevention and treatment strategies.
Read more about methods for preventing opioid misuse, spotting warning signs and talking to a loved one if you suspect there is a problem.
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