Help Address Substance Misuse in Iowa This Fall


The opioid crisis affects individuals, families and communities across the state. And we all must work together to end it.
RALI Iowa and its partners support a broad range of programs to address opioid addiction, including prevention, treatment and recovery services.
We are providing tools to enable the safe disposal of unused prescription medicines and raise awareness of the warning signs of opioid misuse.


Leaders Making a Difference

Coming together
to address Iowa’s opioid epidemic.
The Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative (RALI) of Iowa is an alliance of organizations elevating programs that have a real impact on our state’s opioid crisis.
Learn how you can help address the opioid crisis from home.



About Us
Our partners across the Hawkeye State, including employers, veterans, advocates for children, health care providers and law enforcement, are having an impact on the opioid epidemic. Together, we represent diverse communities affected by the crisis.
Learn more about the RALI Iowa partners by clicking on the images below.







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You can use household materials to dispose of your unused medications. All you have 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.
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SAFE 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.
Don't take someone else's medication.
SAFE STORAGE:
Always keep prescription medications in a locked or secure place – and always out of the reach of children.
Have a family conversation about the dangers of misusing prescription medication.
Never share medications with family members.
SAFE DISPOSAL:
Once you are finished using a prescription medication
as directed by a medical
professional, safely dispose of it rather than keep it in your medicine cabinet for future use.
There are several ways to easily and safely dispose of unused medications right at home.
Learn more below.
One of the best things we can all do to help address the opioid crisis in our state is to
safely dispose of unused prescription medications. Visit the Food and Drug Administration website or talk to your doctor about the disposal method best suited
for the medication you have been prescribed.
There are several options:
1


You can use household materials to dispose of your unused medications. All you have 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.
2

You can visit a drug takeback center in your community.
Click HERE to find
locations in Iowa.
3

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.


Warning Signs:



Safe Use & Disposal
You can help prevent prescription drug misuse by learning more about safe use, storage, and disposal of medications.
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.
Common signs of opioid misuse:
Physical Signs:
Increase in fatigue or drowsiness
Rapid weight loss
Frequent constipation or nausea
Decline in personal
hygiene
Wearing long sleeves
regardless of the season

Behavioral
Signs:

Unexplained absences
from school or work
Drop in grades or
performance at work
Loss of interest in hobbies
Spending less time with friends or family
Hanging out with a new friend group
Indicators in the Home:

Missing prescription
medications
Empty pill bottles
Paraphernalia, such as
syringes, shoe laces or rubber hose, kitchen
spoons, aluminum foil, straws, lighters


Spotting warning signs in teenagers can be particularly hard as young people go through many emotional and physical changes.
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.
Partnership for Drug-Free Kids
SAMHSA
Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA)


News & Updates
