Elevating
solutions to the
opioid epidemic
in Illinois
ABOUT US
The opioid crisis affects every community in our state.
RALI Illinois and its partners are coming together with leaders across the state to change this.
Our work focuses on raising awareness of the warning signs of opioid misuse and providing tools to enable the safe disposal of unused prescription medicines.
We are also supporting a broad range of solutions focused on preventing and treating opioid addiction, and providing recovery services for those in need.
LEADERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
We are proud to work with organizations across the state who are having an impact on the opioid epidemic in Illinois.
Learn more about our RALI Illinois partners by clicking on the images below.
The Midwest Business Group on Health (MBGH), one of the nation’s leading non-profit employer coalitions, helps businesses manage chronic pain among employees. Click here for their toolkit.
The Illinois Academy of Family Physicians’ Safe Prescriber Program helps doctors practice appropriate pain management. Read about the program here.
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SAFE USE & DISPOSAL
Everyone can help prevent prescription drug misuse by safely using, storing and disposing of medications.
Safely 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
Safely store
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
Safely dispose
Once 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 prescriptions medications.
There are several simple options for safe disposal:
2
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.
3
You can use household materials to dispose of your unused medications.
Mix your medicines with kitty litter or old coffee grounds in an airtight container and dispose of it in your trash can.
Visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website or talk to your doctor about the disposal method best suited for the medication you have been prescribed.
WARNING SIGNS
If someone you know has started misusing opioids, early intervention is important. Learning the warning signs of opioid addiction can help protect 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:
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
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
Spotting warning signs in teenagers can be particularly hard because 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
