Rep. Wenstrup Shares Important Information to Help Address the Opioid Epidemic
Watch Representative Brad Wenstrup below to learn more about how you can help your community fight substance misuse:
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WORKING TOGETHER TO HELP END THE OPIOID CRISIS IN OHIO.
The Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative (RALI) of Ohio is an alliance of leading organizations focused on effective programs to help address substance misuse.
ABOUT US
The opioid crisis is straining individuals, families and communities across the state.
TO END IT, WE ALL NEED TO COME TOGETHER.
RALI Ohio and its partners support a broad range of programs to address substance misuse, including prevention, treatment and recovery services. Initially, we are focused on providing tools to enable the safe disposal of unused prescription medicines and raising awareness of the warning signs of opioid misuse.
About us
LEADERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
LEADERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Our partners across the Buckeye State are having an impact on the opioid epidemic. Together, we represent diverse communities affected by the crisis, including employers, veterans, children, health care providers and law enforcement, among others.
Learn more about the RALI Ohio partners by clicking on the images below.
Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities (OACBHA)
The Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities (OACBHA) represents the interests of Ohio’s county Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Boards. Working with RALI Ohio, OACBHA provides drug disposal resources to its members, supports ‘First Responders Appreciation Week,’ conducts the state’s largest statewide opioid conference and supports VISTA workers for addiction education and prevention outreach programs in select counties.
Click HERE for more information about OACBHA’s work to address the opioid epidemic.
The Ohio Children’s Alliance
Public Children Services Association of Ohio (PCSAO)
RALI Ohio, the Ohio Children’s Alliance and Public Children Services Association of Ohio (PCSAO) are supporting training for people working with children at risk or displaced because of addiction issues.
Read more about the Ohio Children’s Alliance and PCSAO.
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Safe Use and Disposal
SAFE USE & DISPOSAL
Everyone can help prevent prescription drug misuse by safely using, storing and disposing of medications.
SAFELY USE
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Always talk to your doctor about how to use a prescription medication before taking it.
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Be sure to follow dosing
recommendations closely. -
Don't mix medications without first checking with your doctor.
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Never mix prescription opioids with alcohol.
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Always keep prescription medications in a locked or secure place – and 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 STORE
SAFELY DISPOSE
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When finished using a prescription medication as directed by a medical professional, safely dispose of it rather than keep it in your medicine cabinet.
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There are several ways to easily and safely dispose of unused medications.
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Learn more below:
Visit the Food and Drug Administration website or talk to your doctor
about the best disposal method for your medication.
One of the best things we can all do to help address the opioid crisis in our state is to safely dispose of unneeded prescription medications. There are several options:
1
USE HOUSEHOLD GOODS
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.
2
VISIT A DRUG TAKE BACK
center in your community. Click HERE to find locations in Ohio.
3
USE A HOME DISPOSAL KIT
Put unused medications in the included pouch, add water, seal and dispose of it in the trash.
WARNING SIGNS
Common signs of opioid misuse:
If someone you know has started misusing opioids, early intervention is important. Learning the warning signs of opioid addiction can help protect your family,
friends and communities.
Physical and behavioral changes could indicate someone is misusing prescription opioids or illegal drugs, like heroin or fentanyl.
PHYSICAL
SIGNS
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Increase in fatigue or drowsiness
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Rapid weight loss
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Frequent constipation or nausea
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Decline in personal hygiene
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Wearing long sleeves regardless of the season
BEHAVIORAL
SIGNS
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Unexplained absences from school or work
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Drop in grades or performance at work
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Loss of interest in hobbies
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Spending less time with friends or family
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Hanging out with a new friend group
INDICATORS IN THE HOME
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Missing prescription medications
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Empty pill bottles
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Paraphernalia, such as syringes, shoe laces or rubber hose, kitchen spoons, aluminum foil, straws, lighters
Spotting warning signs in teenagers can be particularly hard because young people go through many emotional and physical changes.
If you suspect a loved one is misusing opioids, there are resources that can help you prepare for a conversation with them. It’s also important to talk to your family doctor about prevention and treatment options.
Click on each of the logos below for more information:
WARNING SIGNS
News and Updates
NEWS & UPDATES
contact
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