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Opioid Crisis: How to Help

Opioid Epidemic in the United States

Make a Difference. Save a Life.

  • Not all overdoses have to end in death.
  • Everyone has a role to play. Everyone can help.

What Can You Do?

  • Learn about opioids and their risks.
  • Learn about naloxone, its availability, and how to use it.
  • Help people you may know who are struggling with opioid use disorder to find the right care and treatment.
  • If you currently have an opioid prescription, talk to your doctor about:
    • The risks
    • Non-opioid options
    • How long they need to be taken and how to know when it is time to stop
    • Any concerns or questions you may have
  • Lock. Monitor. Take Back.
  • Parents: talk to your kids

Lock. Monitor. Take Back.

Don’t be the dealer. Keep them safe. Clean them out. Take them back

Image source: Take Back Day (DEA)

The program was launched in North Dakota in 2009, and it includes two options:

  1. Participating pharmacies (MedSafe)
  2. Participating law enforcement agencies (Take Back)

According to the ND Attorney General's website:

  • "These programs give residents easy and convenient ways to dispose of unused and unwanted over-the-counter and prescription medicines, thereby helping to protect our state’s environment and keeping these drugs off the streets."
  • "North Dakota is the only state in the nation operating free, year-round, state-wide prescription drug disposal programs at local law enforcement agencies and pharmacies."
  • "To date, more than 12.3 TONS (24,665 pounds) of unwanted and unused medications has been collected from the Take Back containers at local law enforcement agencies, and another 7 TONS collected through the MedSafe program at participating pharmacies."

Click here to view a list of the Take Back Program Locations in North Dakota.

Parents: Talk to Your Kids

  • Talk to them about drug addiction, misuse, abuse, overdose, etc.
  • Talk to them about opioids
  • Educate and warn them about the potential dangers of taking medications that are not prescribed to them
  • Be clear with your expectations about drugs

For more information, consult the Opioid Epidemic page from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota.

Talk. Monitor. Role Model. Support

Image source: Parents Lead

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Many of these resources and programs are funded under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.