The Alliance education campaign on opioid use and abuse will bring awareness to the community, parents, families, and caretakers on appropriate use of opioids and the pitfalls, how to dispose of unused prescription medications, and how to help those struggling with addiction.
Families & Caretakers
The Alliance is currently planning to hold a series forums for parents/guardians of middle and high school students regarding the opioid epidemic in West Michigan. Attendees will learn how to identify opioids in their medicine cabinet, how to talk to physicians and what questions to ask when being prescribed opioids for themselves or their child, how to properly dispose of prescription medications, how the “good samaritan” law works to protect youth from prosecution for calling 911 when a friend/family member is overdosing, and how to identify behavioral cues and root causes of drug use in youth.
Our first forum was held in May 3, 2017. Click here for more information.
Disposal of Prescription Meds
Participating pharmacies will take:
- Prescription medications (non-controlled)
- Antibiotics/Steroids
- Cold and flu medications
- Vitamins and herbal supplements
- Pet medications
- Medication samples
- Medicated ointments and lotions
Pharmacies will not take back medical supplies like needles and hydrogen peroxide, or personal care products like shampoos and lotions.
Law enforcement drop boxes will take:
- Prescribed controlled medicines (examples—Codeine, Xanax, Vicodin, OxyContin, Ritalin, etc.)
- Medicines that pharmacies can accept
Find a local drop box or participating pharmacy by clicking here.
Resources
7 Questions to Ask Your Physician About Opioids – Pennsylvania Medical Society
Families Against Narcotics – Grand Rapids
The Dettman Center, P.C. Addiction Medicine Specialists
Controlled Substance Drop Off Locations
West Michigan Take Back Meds Program
Partnership for Drug Free Kids: Where Families Find Answers
More Information
“Next steps unveiled to address opioid epidemic, help prevent addiction from occurring.” Press release from Gov. Snyder’s office, March 23, 2017.
