Community-Coalition On Drug Awareness

 

We all can take action against prescription drug abuse.

Here are a few ways you can help.

In your own backyard….

• Ask your child what he or she already knows about drug use.
• Discuss the potential for problems from opiates, prescription drugs, and alcohol use with your children, neighbors, and friends.
• Dispose of medications no longer in use
• Lock up all medications in your home.
• Understand what to look for and how to help someone in need of help.
• Seek help if you are struggling with your own addiction.
• Support someone you suspect is in trouble and let him or her that you are concerned. Avoid judgment as you approach them and offer to help find a solution.
• Exhibit positive coping skills.
• BE A ROLE MODEL.

In your community….

• Ask at your local doctor if he/she would consider treating patients with opiate addiction.
• Interviewyour dentist, doctor and pharmacists about what they think needs to be done to address over-prescribing.
• Visit and/or volunteer at your local recovery center.
• View www.vtrecoverynetwork.org to locate the closest recovery center to your community
• Launch a recovery center in your community if there isn’t one already
• Inspire your school to show The Hungry Heart to students, teachers and staff.
• Motivate your local hospital to show The Hungry Heart to doctors and medical staff.
• Organize a screening in your town with members of the cast of the film.
• Explore local resources for help with addiction – is treatment available?
• Educate yourself on the multiple paths to recovery which include: recovery support and coaching; 12 step approaches; faith based approaches; and the use of medication (methadone/suboxone) in combination with therapy and recovery supports.
• Mentor a child/adult who would benefit from support in finding recovery. Check out Mobius Mentors, Windsor County Partners, or Mercy Connections website to find out more.
• Create a new community group or collaborate with an existing one to consider innovative ways to help with this epidemic in your community – “all politics are local.”
• Express your concerns to town managers, select people, mayors, police, emergency responders and other local officials.

In your state….

• Express your concerns to your local legislators and ask them to take action.
• Recognize moments when the legislature or policy makers are seeking input and take responsibility for making a difference – governing bodies value input from citizen advocates and everyone thinks someone else will step up.