Take Control of Prescription Safety: Prevent Opioid Misuse Before It Starts.
Prescription opioids can be addictive and dangerous — but there are steps every family can take right now. Learn what to ask your doctor, how to store medications safely, and what to do with leftovers.
of people with heroin addiction first misused prescription opioids
80%
opioid overdoses involve a prescription opioid
3 in 4
of patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them
21-29%
years Operation PAR has served Florida families
50+
Understanding Opioids: Facts and Prevention
Opioids are a class of drugs used to reduce pain. They include prescription medications such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and codeine, as well as illicit drugs like heroin and illegally manufactured fentanyl.
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When used exactly as prescribed, opioid medications can be effective for pain management. However, misuse of opioids can lead to dependence, opioid use disorder, overdose, and even death.
Prevention Starts
with Awareness
​Use Prescription Medications Safely
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Take opioid medications only as directed by your healthcare provider.
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Never take someone else's prescription medication.
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Ask questions about the risks and benefits of any prescribed opioid medication.
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Am I at risk of addiction?
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Will something else work?
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How long will I be taking them?
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Are you prescribing the lowest possible dose?
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Talk to your healthcare provider about safer alternatives to opioids
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A combination of acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil)
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Naproxen (Aleve)
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Interventional therapies (injections)
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Physical therapy
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Cognitive behavioral therapy
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Talk Openly with Family Members
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Discuss the risks associated with opioid misuse.
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Encourage loved ones to seek help early if concerns arise.
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Foster an environment of support and understanding rather than judgment.
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​Store Medications Securely
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Keep medications in a safe place and out of reach of children and visitors.
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Monitor the quantity of medication remaining.
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Consider storing medications in a lock box
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Dispose of Unused Medications Properly
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Utilize community drug take-back programs or authorized disposal sites.
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Follow FDA recommendations for safe disposal when take-back options are unavailable.
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Consider using Deterra Bags to dispose of unused medications
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Once you've finished a prescribed course of opioids, leftover pills are a liability. Proper disposal protects your family, your community, and the environment. There are several safe, easy options available right here in Pinellas County.
Don't Just Throw It Away: How to Safely Get Rid of Expired Medicine
Protect your family and your community by following these simple FDA guidelines.
Hanging onto old, unused, or expired medications can be a hidden hazard in your home. This quick video from the FDA walks you through the safest ways to clean out your medicine cabinet, including how to find local take-back programs and when it is actually safe to flush or trash certain drugs.
Recognizing the Signs of an Opioid Overdose
An opioid overdose is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately if someone:
• Cannot be awakened • Has slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
• Makes choking or gurgling sounds • Has pale, blue or gray lips
• Has very small, pinpoint pupils
What Is Naloxone?
Naloxone is a medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and restore breathing.
Naloxone is:
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Safe and easy to administer
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Available in many pharmacies without an individual prescription
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A critical tool in preventing overdose deaths