Working to prevent opioid overdoses and other opioid-related harms.
meeting of support group

11 million people in the United States age 12 and older misused prescription pain relievers in the past year.

At Drug Safe Solano, we want to keep you safe. To prevent opioid overdoses and other opioid-related harms, please keep these tips in mind.

Lock Up Medications

  • Keep all medications locked away in a secure lock box.
  • Daily medications must also be kept out of reach and locked away.
  • Do not depend on “childproof” caps.
  • Be prepared with Poison Control’s number programmed into your phone(s) – 1-800-222-1222.

Know Your Medication (Opioid Side Effects)

  • Possibility of increasing tolerance to medication, thus, requiring more medication to achieve pain relief
  • Possibility of acquiring a dependence to medication, thus, leading to withdrawal if medication is stopped
  • Possibility of increasing one’s sensitivity to pain
  • Possibility of constipation
  • Possibility of nausea and/or vomiting
  • Possibility of dry mouth
  • Possibility of sleepiness and dizziness
  • Possibility of confusion
  • Possibility of developing or increasing depression
  • Possibility of itching and/or sweating
  • Possibility of lowering levels of testosterone resulting in lower sex drive, less energy and less strength

Storing Your Medications

  • Keep all the individual’s medications separate from one another to avoid confusion and accidental taking of the wrong medication.
  • Keep all medications in their original container. This identifies whose medication it is, protects the medication (amber plastic), lets you see the amount and times for dosing, has the pharmacy information on the bottle, and avoids confusion on what the medication is.

Safe Disposal

DisposeRx – Short Version Demonstration Video

Deterra Drug Deactivation System

Alternative Pain Management Options

  • Pain relief from non-opioid medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen
  • Physical therapy and exercise
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy where patients learn how to modify physical, behavioral, and emotional triggers of pain and stress

Preventing an Overdose

  • Avoid taking opioids with alcohol.
  • Be aware of the effects of combining opioids with other drugs.
  • Avoid taking high daily doses of opioids, even if prescribed.
  • Do not take more opioids than recommended.
  • Do not take opioids if you have medical conditions that increase your risk such as sleep apnea, reduced kidney, or liver function.
  • Limit opioids if you are older than 65 years of age.

Get in Touch

For more information, on prevention click here.