change 4 the kenai

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Prescription Safety

FOCUS AREA

Prescription Safety

When used other than directed, prescription opioids as well as other prescription medications can become dangerous. Addiction and overdose are on the rise locally, statewide, nationally, and worldwide. By using medications safely, practicing safe storage, and disposing of them safely we can all make a difference in reducing access and abuse of prescription medications.

Change 4 the Kenai has prioritized education and access to safe disposal through the Safe, Safe, Safe class and curricula and by hosting and promoting DEA Drug Take Back Days.

FOCUS AREA: Prescription Safety

Safe, Safe, Safe

Education is the first step in preventing the misuse of prescription medications. 

Change 4 the Kenai has developed curricula for parents, teachers, businesses and medical professionals that focuses on Safe Use, Safe Storage and Safe Disposal of prescription drugs. The Safe, Safe, Safe education program is offered through a partnership with local community schools. The courses are free to take and the resources are free to use.

LEARN

Learn more to understand the issues of prescription misuse and how we can make a difference in our community.

Understanding the Issue

When used other than directed, prescription medications can become dangerous. Addiction and overdose are on the rise locally, statewide, nationally, and worldwide. We can all make a difference in reducing access and abuse of prescription medications.

Learn safe use, safe storage and safe disposal.
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RECOGNIZE

We all play a role in identifying and preventing prescription drug abuse.

Recognizing Prescription Misuse

We all play a role in identifying and preventing prescription drug abuse. Learning to recognize the signs and symptoms of prescription drug misuse is an important way to help your community and save lives.

Learn to recognize prescription misuse.
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EDUCATE

Education is a critical step in preventing the misuse of prescription medications.

EDUCATE

C4K has collected and developed materials designed to provide you with everything you need to present information in your home, school, practice or community. Each program is designed for a specific audience and is free to use.

​Please let us know if you need help!
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FOCUS AREA: Prescription Safety

National Drug Take Back Day

The DEA’s Take Back Day events provide an opportunity for Alaskans to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths. Join us to dispose of your medications.

Please follow us on Facebook/change4thekenai to stay informed about the next DEA event. Check the DEA’s Drug Take Back information page to learn more about the importance of these events.

FOCUS AREA: Prescription Safety

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Change 4 the Kenai    |    Soldotna, Alaska    |    907-714-4521

Safe, Safe, Safe

Understand the Issue

Prescription opioids are sometimes used to help relieve moderate-to-severe pain following surgery or injury, as well as for certain health conditions. These medications can be an important part of treatment. It is important to closely follow the directions of your health care provider to ensure that medication use is safe and effective. 

​When used other than directed, prescription opioids as well as other prescription medications can become dangerous. Addiction and overdose are on the rise locally, statewide, nationally, and worldwide. By using medications safely, practicing safe storage, and disposing of them properly we can all make a difference in reducing access and abuse of prescription medications. 

Safe, Safe, Safe

Safe Use

  • Only use your prescription as directed by a health care professional
  • Never share your prescription medications with others
  • Never use someone else's prescription medication
  • Set a good example to those around you by modeling safe medication practices

Safe, Safe, Safe

Safe Storage

  • Store medications in secure locations such as lock boxes, medication safes, or other lockable spaces
  • Avoid storage places where children can easily access

Safe, Safe, Safe

Safe Disposal

  • Safely dispose of medications by placing them in a drug dropbox.
  • Take medications to a community drug take-back event
  • Dispose of medications safely at home by using drug disposal bags
  • Avoid flushing or throwing out medications as they can impact our environment

Safe, Safe, Safe

Resources

Safe Use
Safe Storage
Safe Disposal
Summary of 2017 Kenai Peninsula Assessment (PDF)
Alaska DHHS: Heroin and Opioid Use in Alaska
Alaska DHHS: Alaska Opioid Policy Taskforce

Safe, Safe, Safe

Prescription Drug Misuse

Prescription drug misuse is the use of a medication without a prescription, in a way other than as prescribed, or for the experience or feelings elicited. According to several national surveys, prescription medications, such as those used to treat pain, attention deficit disorders, and anxiety, are being abused at a rate second only to marijuana among illicit drug users. The consequences of this abuse have been steadily worsening, reflected in increased treatment admissions, emergency room visits, and overdose deaths.

Preventing and recognizing prescription drug abuse

The risks for addiction to prescription drugs increase when they are used in ways other than as prescribed (e.g., at higher doses, by different routes of administration, or combined with alcohol or other drugs). Physicians, their patients, and pharmacists all can play a role in identifying and preventing prescription drug abuse.

Physicians.

More than 80 percent of Americans had contact with a healthcare professional in the past year, placing doctors in a unique position, not only to prescribe medications, but also to identify abuse (or nonmedical use) of prescription drugs and prevent the escalation to addiction. By asking about all drugs, physicians can help their patients recognize that a problem exists, set recovery goals, and seek appropriate treatment. Doctors should also take note of rapid increases in the amount of medication needed or frequent, unscheduled refill requests. Doctors should be alert to the fact that those addicted to prescription drugs may engage in “doctor shopping”—moving from provider to provider—in an effort to obtain multiple prescriptions for the drug(s) they abuse.

Patients.

For their part, patients can take steps to ensure that they use prescription medications appropriately: always follow the prescribed directions, be aware of potential interactions with other drugs, never stop or change a dosing regimen without first discussing it with a healthcare provider, and never use another person’s prescription. In addition to describing their medical problem, patients should always inform their healthcare professionals about all the prescriptions, OTC medicines, and dietary and herbal supplements they are taking, before they obtain any other medications. Additionally, unused or expired medications should be properly disposed of.

Pharmacists.

Pharmacists dispense medications and can help patients understand instructions for taking them. By being watchful for prescription falsifications or alterations, pharmacists can serve as the first line of defense in recognizing prescription drug abuse. Some pharmacies have developed hotlines to alert other pharmacies in the region when a fraudulent prescription is detected. Moreover, prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs), which require physicians and pharmacists to log each filled prescription into a State database, can assist medical professionals in identifying patients who are getting prescriptions from multiple sources. 

Signs & Symptoms of Prescription Drug Misuse

  • Taking more of a prescription that your doctor has instructed
  • Sharing prescriptions with friends
  • Stealing prescription medicines from friends or family
  • Going to different pharmacies to hide how much you are taking
  • Exprimenting with mixing medicines to feel a high or rush
  • Lying about your prescription medicines
  • Being unable to relax or sleep if you are out of your prescription
  • Stealing money or other items to sell to pay for your drug habit

Safe, Safe, Safe

Resources

Safe, Safe, Safe

Education Materials & Curricula

Parents, teachers and employers play a critical role in educating our community. Change 4 the Kenai has created Safe, Safe, Safe educational materials and curricula designed for any community member to use to educate children, teens, adults, medical professionals or employees.