RALI Washington is focused on raising awareness about the importance of safe disposal of unused prescription medicines and the warning signs of opioid misuse. Everyone can help prevent prescription drug misuse by practicing safe storage and disposal of medications. See below for tips on safe storage and disposal, how to find disposal locations near you and other resources for preventing substance misuse below.
TIPS
SAFELY USE:
Always talk to your doctor about how to use a prescription medication before taking it.
Be sure to follow dosing recommendations closely.
Don't mix medications without first checking with your doctor.
Never mix prescription opioids with alcohol.
Never take someone else's medication.
SAFELY STORE:
Always keep prescription medications in a locked or secure place – and out of the reach of children.
Have a family conversation about the dangers of misusing prescription medication.
Never share medications with family members.
SAFELY DISPOSE:
When finished using a prescription medication as directed by a medical professional, you should safely dispose of it rather than keep it in your medicine cabinet for future use.
Visit the Food and Drug Administration website or talk to your doctor about the disposal method best suited for your medication.
DISPOSAL OPTIONS
You can use household materials to dispose of your unused medications. All you need 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.
Washington has drug takeback centers in communities across the state to safely dispose medications year-round. If you cannot dispose at home, you can visit a drug takeback center in your community. Click HERE to find locations in Washington.
You can use a home disposal kit – you’ll put unused medications in the included pouch, add water, seal, and dispose of it in the trash. Potential partner organizations interested in receiving safe home disposal kits can email info@raliwa.org.
WARNING SIGNS
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.
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. Some helpful resources can be found at the links below:
RALI Cares Virtual Experience
The Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative is partnering with Code 3 to bring the RALI CARES educational program to communities across the United States. The RALI CARES trailer is outfitted to look like a teenager's or young adult’s bedroom, but it is filled with hidden warning signs of substance misuse. Former law enforcement and experts point out the red flags of substance misuse based on their years of experience and discuss ways to seek help if someone is struggling with addiction.
If you are interested learning more but have not had a chance to tour the trailer, you can access our virtual experience at the RALI Cares section of our website.
Community Support
RALI Washington applauds the support of local organizations and legislators in the fight against opioid abuse. Here are some examples of work we have done with our partners and legislators:
State Senator T’wina Nobles (WA-28)
State Senator Rebecca Saldana (WA-37)
State Senator Manka Dhingra (WA-45)
Other local RALI Partner Organizations include:
KDNA Radio
1st Responder Conferences
Washington State Grange
IUOE Local 302 Washington, Alaska and Idaho
If your organization is interested in working with RALI Washington,
please contact info@raliwa.org