Substance Use Prevention

 Safe Storage:

• Prevents accidental ingestion: Each year, thousands of children are hospitalized due to accidental ingestion of medications found in the home. Safe storage, such as in locked cabinets or out of reach places, significantly reduces this risk.  
• Deters misuse by others: Many individuals who misuse prescription drugs, including opioids, obtain them from friends or family members’ homes. Secure storage makes it harder for others to access these medications.

Safe Disposal:

• Limits availability of unused opioids: A large percentage of prescribed opioids go unused. Proper disposal prevents these leftover medications from being available for potential misuse.  
• Reduces the risk of accidental exposure: Just like with storage, proper disposal ensures that children and pets cannot accidentally ingest leftover medications.
• Prevents environmental contamination: Flushing certain medications down the toilet or throwing them directly in the trash can lead to environmental contamination. Proper disposal methods, like take-back programs, help avoid this.  
• Take-back programs are effective: Drug take-back programs provide a safe and anonymous way for individuals to dispose of unwanted medications, and their use is encouraged by the DEA and EPA. Check our events for our next scheduled take back event. 

Impact on Opioid Misuse:

• Education on safe storage and disposal is considered a key strategy in preventing opioid misuse by national drug control policy.  
• Studies suggest that interventions focusing on secure storage and proper disposal can positively influence these behaviors among individuals receiving opioid prescriptions.  
• A significant percentage of people who misuse opioids obtain them from home, highlighting the importance of these preventative measures.

In summary, safe storage and disposal of medications, particularly opioids, are vital strategies in preventing accidental harm, misuse, and environmental issues. They represent actionable steps that individuals can take to contribute to opioid prevention efforts.