Prescription Drugs
Prescription pain medications have been linked to substance misuse—both in Vermont and nationwide and the problem has been growing. Misuse of prescription drugs, particularly opioids and other controlled substances, can lead to addiction, overdose, and negative impacts on individuals, families, and communities. There were nearly five times the number of overdose deaths involving prescription opioids in 2020 than in 1999. In 2020, almost 24% of all U.S. opioid overdose deaths involved a prescription opioid. Overdose is not the only risk related to prescription opioids. Anyone who takes prescription opioids can become addicted to them without careful planning and the support of a medical professional.
How can you protect yourself and others? Follow these simple steps to reduce your risk and prevent misuse in your home.
TALK with your children about the dangers of medicine misuse.
SECURE all medications in your home.
MONITOR all medications in your home to ensure they are used as directed and only by those to whom they are prescribed.
DISPOSE of your unused medications safely at a local disposal site.
NEVER SHARE your medications.
STOP USING the medication as soon as your pain is manageable.
DON’T DRINK alcohol when you are taking an opioid or other controlled medication.
GENERAL
VT Help Link If you or someone you know needs help with opioid use or heroin – treatment is available! Treatment is effective and people can recover. For free and confidential alcohol and drug support and referral services, call 802-565-LINK (5465) or visit VTHelplink.org.
Do Your Part Is a Vermont Department of Health resource to help with safely storing and disposing of prescriptions. You can order free medication mail-back envelopes sent to your home or look up a list of locations near you that offer medication disposal.
Know OD - a Vermont campaign to learn about opioid overdose - including the signs of an overdose, what to do to save a life and the six steps you can take to prevent overdose.
FOR SUPPORTING YOUTH
Partnership to End Addiction offers facts and information about how to protect and talk with children, teens and young adults about medicine misuse.
Have a question?
Information is constantly advancing and as we continue to learn BPHC will update this page with new resources as needed. However, if you don’t find what you need, and live locally, reach out to us and we’ll try to connect you to the right information.