Opioids: What You Can Do

This is a communitywide problem and requires a comprehensive approach to prevent future overdoses and connect individuals experiencing opioid and substance misuse to treatment and support services.

Take action today:

1. Talk with your youth and other loved ones who are impacted by substance misuse about the dangers associated with drug use. Have a short, judgment-free talk about stress, mental health, peer pressure, and substance use.
2. Start talking about medication safety early by advising young children not to take any pills without asking you first.
3. Only take pills prescribed by your doctor from a licensed pharmacy. Never buy pills from social media, online, on the street, or from unlicensed pharmacies.
4. Look out for suspicious packages and credit card charges.
5. Periodically check your teen’s smartphone for suspicious messages. Learn about emoji codes used on social media.
6. Learn to spot opioids that are hidden in plain sight.
7. Be mindful of illicit substances in your home and around your loved ones. If someone in your life or home is using drugs, your children could find and ingest even the powdery residue left on surfaces.
8. If someone you know is struggling with opioids, support them in getting help.
9. Always call 9-1-1 if you believe someone is experiencing an overdose, even if you give them naloxone.