Alcohol and Substance Use Prevention

• Never take larger amounts or more often than prescribed
• Let your doctor know about any side effects or concerns you may have with using opioids
• Do not share or sell your prescription opioids
• Avoid taking opioids with alcohol and other substances or medications. The following cause drowsiness when combined:
  • Benzodiazepines (Xanax and Valium)
  • Muscle relaxants (Soma or Flexeril)
  • Sleep aids (Ambien or Lunesta)
  • Other prescription opioids

Protect your children/grandchildren:

• Around 35,000 children every year end up in emergency rooms because they got into medicines while an adult wasn’t looking. These emergency room visits can be prevented by putting every medicine up and away, out of children’s reach and sight.
• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recommends that children never be told that medication is candy to persuade them to take it. This could result in them seeking out your medication.

5 Tips for Safely Storing Medications at Home:

1. Put medicines up and away, out of children’s reach and sight. They commonly put things in their mouths. If you turn your back, even for less than a minute, they can get into things that may hurt them.
2. Put medicines away every time. This includes vitamins you use every day.
3. Make sure the safety cap is locked. Twist the top until you hear the click or cannot twist anymore.
4. Tell your guests about medicine safety. Ask them to keep their purses, bags, or coats that have medicine in them up and away.
5. Be prepared in case of an emergency. Call poison control right away if you think your child may have gotten into a medicine or vitamin, or even if you are not completely sure.
   • Poison control center at Parkland: 1 (800) 222-1222

Protect your family and guests:

Unused medication drop boxes are secure, designated locations where individuals can safely dispose of their unwanted or expired medications. These drop boxes help prevent substance misuse, protect the environment, and reduce the risk of accidental poisoning.

Unused Medication Drop Boxes Map

Using this map is simple. To find a specific unused medication drop box location, simply navigate to the map and look for the colored dots which indicate different sites. Hover over any dot to see detailed information, including the location name and address. This interactive feature helps you quickly identify and access resources in your area.

• Click here to view the interactive map.

CVS

• Accepts:  prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, liquid medication bottles. Not accepted: illegal (schedule 1) drugs, needles/syringes/sharp containers, aerosol cans or inhalers, chemicals, mercury-containing devices
• https://www.cvs.com/store-locator/cvs-pharmacy-locations/medication-disposal/Texas/Dallas

Walgreens

• Accepts:  prescription medications, ointments and patches, OTC medications, ointments, lotions and liquids, pet medications, vitamins, aerosol cans, inhalers
• https://www.walgreens.com/storelocator/rx-disposal/fort-worth-tx

National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)

• https://safe.pharmacy/drug-disposal/

Dallas Area Drug Prevention Partnership (2 take back days in April and October)

• https://drugfreedallas.org/take-back-initiative/

Defend Your Drains North Texas:

You cannot put unused medications down your drain because they will go through the sewer system and into our lakes, streams, and rivers. Our wastewater treatment systems are not designed/equipped to remove medications from wastewater.

• https://www.defendyourdrainsnorthtexas.com/take-back-locator.html

Substance use is often viewed as a moral failing or lack of willpower, rather than being recognized as a complex issue with biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

There is a tendency to criminalize substance use and to view individuals who use drugs as criminals rather than people with health needs.

People who use substances are often blamed for their condition and subjected to shame and guilt, which can hinder their ability to seek help and support.

There is a perception that individuals who use substances are dangerous or unpredictable, which contributes to fear and discrimination against them.

Many people have limited knowledge about substance use disorders and may hold misconceptions about treatment options and recovery, resulting in increased stigma.

Stigma often is a result of misinformation and a lack of understanding. Educate yourself and others about substance use disorders, including their causes, effects, and treatments. Encourage open conversation and provide correct information to dispel myths and misconceptions.

Use person-first language that emphasizes the individual rather than their condition. Instead of labeling someone as an “addict” or a “junkie”, use phrases like “person with a substance use disorder”. This helps to humanize individuals and reduce the stigma associated with their condition

Recognize that substance use disorders are complex conditions influenced by many factors. Avoid making assumptions or passing judgement on individuals struggling with substance use. Instead, approach them with empathy, compassion, and a willingness to understand their experiences.

Challenge stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding substance use disorders whenever you encounter them.

Encourage individuals struggling with substance use to seek help and support. Provide information about available resources, including treatment options, support groups, and counseling services. Normalize help-seeking behavior and emphasize that seeking assistance is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Be mindful of your own attitudes and behaviors toward substance use and individuals affected by it. Lead by example by demonstrating empathy, respect, and support for those struggling with substance use disorders. Your actions can influence others and contribute to creating a more compassionate and stigma-free society.