These printable handouts are available now by saving from this post and printing them yourself, or contacting raysacorg@gmail.com with a request to have them printed and delivered to you, absolutely free. Help us get the word out about this rising trend in illicit and counterfeit painkillers and other fake drugs.
These printable handouts are available now by saving from this post and printing them yourself, or contacting raysacorg@gmail.com with a request to have them printed and delivered to you, absolutely free. Help us get the word out about this rising trend in Fentanyl overdoses!
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We often talk about how things like addiction, stigma, or life-threatening overdose can harm a person with an opioid use disorder. Opioid addiction also affects people who are not currently misusing any substances, but who know somebody with an opioid use disorder. The impact on loved ones is sometimes called the “ripple effect.”
Here are some ways that opioid misuse can impact an entire community:
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When children live in a home where opioids or other drugs are misused, they are more likely to experience trauma-related health problems later in life.¹ Growing up in a home with drug misuse is classified as an Adverse Childhood Experience (or “ACE”). ACEs are stressful, traumatic events that raise a child’s risk of many long-term health issues. For example, a 2019 CDC report estimated that nearly 2 million cases of coronary heart disease and 21 million cases of depression “would have been potentially avoided by preventing adverse childhood experiences.”¹
To be clear, ACEs include many other kinds of traumatic events as well. Opioid misuse in the home is just one of many factors that contribute to trauma-related health problems. And just because a child has witnessed drug misuse at home does not mean he or she will definitely have heart disease or depression later. Any ACEs increase a child’s risk for future health problems. But protective factors – like a supportive relationship with an adult – can enable a child to thrive in the face of hardship.
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Opioid use during pregnancy can affect both the mother and her child in the womb. Babies who are exposed to opioids in the womb may show signs of withdrawal in the first few days after birth. This is called Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), which can involve vomiting, tremors, sleep problems, seizures, and other symptoms. Opioid misuse by pregnant mothers has also been linked to preterm birth and stillbirth.² Opioid-related NAS occurs after being exposured to opioids long-term, so opioids that are given by a doctor at the time of delivery do not cause NAS.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/100920-hydrops.jpg” title_text=”100920-hydrops” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ disabled_on=”off|off|on” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/100920-hydrops.jpg” title_text=”100920-hydrops” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”||||on||||” link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Opioid use during pregnancy can affect both the mother and her child in the womb. Babies who are exposed to opioids in the womb may show signs of withdrawal in the first few days after birth. This is called Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), which can involve vomiting, tremors, sleep problems, seizures, and other symptoms. Opioid misuse by pregnant mothers has also been linked to preterm birth and stillbirth.² Opioid-related NAS occurs after being exposured to opioids long-term, so opioids that are given by a doctor at the time of delivery do not cause NAS.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/images-4.jpg” title_text=”images (4)” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”||||on||||” link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Sadly, opioid misuse and addiction sometimes cause parents to be unable to take care of their children. In situations like these, children may be placed the foster care system. The US Children’s Bureau estimates that drug misuse by parents contributed to 35% of all cases where a child was placed in foster care in 2020.³
Although many children are placed in foster care, others are cared for by extended family members outside of formal foster care. This is known as kinship care. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives fall into this category if they give primary support and care for a child without the parent being present. According to the non-profit group Grandfamilies.org, more than 62,000 grandparents were responsible for their grandchildren in Virginia as of 2021.⁴ Both foster parenting and kinship parenting can be challenging, but resources for help are available! NewFound Families Virginia has a list of state-wide resources on their website: click here[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”16px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”||||on||||” link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]Opioid misuse affects everyone in our community. Even if you do not personally know somebody harmed by opioids, the collective impacts and costs to our society are very real. We can all help build a healthier community by staying informed, continuing to learn, and helping each other. To learn more…
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”8px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”||||on||||” link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”16px||0px||false|false” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]References:
1. Merrick, M.T., Ford, D.C., Ports, K.A., et al. (2019). Vital Signs. Estimated Proportion of Adult Health Problems Attributable to Adverse Childhood Experiences and Implications for Prevention — 25 States, 2015–2017. MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 68(44): 999-1005. http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6844e1
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). About Opioid Use During Pregnancy. https://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/opioids/basics.html
3. Children’s Bureau, under the US Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families. (2021). AFCARS Report: Preliminary estimates for FY 2020 as of October 4, 2021. https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/cb/afcarsreport28.pdf
4. Grandfamilies.org. (July 2021). Virginia GrandFacts State Fact Sheet. http://www.grandfamilies.org/Portals/0/State%20Fact%20Sheets/Virginia%20GrandFacts%20State%20Fact%20Sheet%2007.21%20Update.pdf[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”12px||12px||false|false” global_module=”6021″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ link_font=”||||on||||” link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ header_4_font=”Times New Roman||||||||” header_4_text_color=”#000000″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Everything on this website is for informational purposes only. Nothing on this site is intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment offered by physicians. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition or treatment, including any prescription medications.
If you or someone you know has a problem with opioid use or other substance use, find treatment options near you by visiting www.findtreatment.gov
If you are feeling suicidal or in emotional distress, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. In emergencies, dial 911.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”12px||12px||false|false” global_module=”5903″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” border_width_top=”2px” border_color_top=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ border_style_top=”double” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”notranslate” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ link_font=”||||on|||#0C71C3|” link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” custom_css_after=”||” border_color_top=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22text_text_color%22,%22border_color_top%22%93}”]
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You can view translations of our RADARs by using the flag menu in the upper right corner, or by clicking one of the following links:
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[/et_pb_text][et_pb_social_media_follow use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”23px” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”facebook” url=”https://www.facebook.com/RAYSACVa/” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#3b5998″ global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]facebook[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”twitter” url=”https://twitter.com/raysacva” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#00aced” global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]twitter[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”instagram” url=”https://www.instagram.com/raysacva/” icon_color=”#FFFFFF” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#ea2c59″ global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]instagram[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][/et_pb_social_media_follow][/et_pb_column_inner][/et_pb_row_inner][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/TakeThemBack-link-RADAR.png” title_text=”TakeThemBack link” url=”https://takethemback.org/” url_new_window=”on” show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” max_height=”150px” custom_margin=”|0px|||false|false” border_radii=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px” border_width_all=”5px” border_color_all=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_section]
[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”16px||2px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”93.4px” global_colors_info=”{}”]Opioids are a class of strong, pain-relieving drugs. The term “opioid” comes from the word opium, a substance derived from the poppy plant. Opioids are very addictive and can lead to illness, overdose, and death if misused. Even so, opioids do have a legitimate use in medicine when they are prescribed and used correctly.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb image=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/opium.jpg” icon_alignment=”left” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h6″ header_font_size=”12px” header_line_height=”0.2em” body_font=”Arial||||||||” body_text_align=”left” body_text_color=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ body_font_size=”14px” body_line_height=”1.2em” width=”58.7%” custom_padding=”|||31px|false|false” animation=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22body_text_color%22%93}”]The reddish-brown substance found in the pods of poppy plants (above) is used to make opium.[/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|||-140px|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”|||0px|false|false” custom_margin_phone=”|||0px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_margin__hover_enabled=”off|desktop”]
Prescription opioids include medicines like OxyContin®, Percocet®, Vicodin®, morphine, and others. These medicines are used to treat severe pain. For example, a doctor might give their patient an opioid painkiller to relieve severe pain after a surgery. Opioid painkillers might also be prescribed for long-term (a.k.a. “chronic”) pain, or for hospice patients.
Because prescription opioids are very powerful and addictive, doctors might not give them to a patient unless the potential benefits are greater than the risks. They may also try other treatments to relieve pain before prescribing opioids. Doctors and pharmacists use many strategies like these to limit the number of opioid pills in their community. The goal is to prevent patients from becoming addicted, and to reduce the likelihood that the pills could be misused by others.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Healthcare providers think about many different factors related to opioid prescriptions. They consider safety guidelines and suggestions from the CDC; policies at their hospital, clinic, or pharmacy; the needs of the individual patient; the different kinds of opioids; other, non-opioid treatments for pain; and the conditions in their local community. With all these considerations, it is easy for people to feel confused or misunderstood. That’s why clear and honest conversations with your doctor are so important.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||3px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”||||on|||#0C71C3|” link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Here are some ideas and tips for talking with your doctor.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Pills are Not Candy” image=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pills_1000x550.png” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_font=”Arial||||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ header_font_size=”24px” body_font=”||||||||” body_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”#e2e2e2″ custom_margin=”|||-16px|false|false” custom_padding=”|8px|8px|8px|false|true” animation=”off” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ border_radii_image=”on|8px|8px|8px|8px” border_color_all_image=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ box_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22border_color_all_image%22,%22header_text_color%22,%22border_color_all%22,%22box_shadow_color_image%22%93}”]Just like we should be careful about how we use and store prescription opioids, we should also be careful how we talk about prescription opioids. Sometimes, when someone is about to have surgery, people will reassure them that they will not feel much pain because of “special, magic pills” or “the really good stuff” (referring to opioids). While opioids are one effective way to manage pain after surgery, we need to remember that opioids can also cause addiction and life-threatening overdose if they are misused. Please be mindful of how you talk about opioids, especially around youth.[/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”12px||12px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” global_module=”6021″ saved_tabs=”all”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ link_font=”||||on||||” link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ header_4_font=”Times New Roman||||||||” header_4_text_color=”#000000″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Everything on this website is for informational purposes only. Nothing on this site is intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment offered by physicians. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition or treatment, including any prescription medications.
If you or someone you know has a problem with opioid use or other substance use, find treatment options near you by visiting www.findtreatment.gov
If you are feeling suicidal or in emotional distress, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. In emergencies, dial 911.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”12px||12px||false|false” global_module=”5903″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” border_width_top=”2px” border_color_top=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ border_style_top=”double” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”notranslate” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ link_font=”||||on|||#0C71C3|” link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” custom_css_after=”||” border_color_top=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22text_text_color%22,%22border_color_top%22%93}”]
This website is available in multiple languages! We currently have translations (via artificial intelligence) in Spanish, Pashto, Persian, Swahili, Ukrainian, and Urdu.
You can view translations of our RADARs by using the flag menu in the upper right corner, or by clicking one of the following links:
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ specialty=”on” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|100px||100px|false|true” border_width_top=”2px” border_color_top=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ border_style_top=”double” global_module=”5804″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ specialty_columns=”2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|0px|-40px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”50px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|800|||||||” text_text_color=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ text_font_size=”18px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22text_text_color%22%93}”]
Connect with us on social media!
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_social_media_follow use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”23px” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”facebook” url=”https://www.facebook.com/RAYSACVa/” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#3b5998″ global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]facebook[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”twitter” url=”https://twitter.com/raysacva” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#00aced” global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]twitter[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”instagram” url=”https://www.instagram.com/raysacva/” icon_color=”#FFFFFF” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#ea2c59″ global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]instagram[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][/et_pb_social_media_follow][/et_pb_column_inner][/et_pb_row_inner][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/TakeThemBack-link-RADAR.png” title_text=”TakeThemBack link” url=”https://takethemback.org/” url_new_window=”on” show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” max_height=”150px” custom_margin=”|0px|||false|false” border_radii=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px” border_width_all=”5px” border_color_all=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_section]
[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]RAYSAC, in partnership with the Western Virginia Water Authority, Franklin County FRESH Coalition, and the Prevention Council of Roanoke County, are proud to present two new commercials coming to a television, phone, or tablet near you!
Look out for our new series of commercials below, promoting the use of medication drop boxes and proper disposal of medications, and featuring professional fisherman John Crews. RAYSAC is proud to partner with the Western Virginia Water Authority, Franklin County FRESH, and the Prevention Council of Roanoke County through funding provided by the Virginia Enviromental Endowment to encourage our citizens to lock up prescription and OTC medications when in use, and properly dispose of them by searching on www.takethemback.org to find a permanent medication drop box near you. You can find both commercials below, or go to our official YouTube channel by clicking here.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_video src=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHT2Dxcug0c” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_video][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_video src=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV2Kp2lrBd8″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_video][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
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Recent research is showing that opioid misuse often involves other kinds of substance misuse as well. In a recent study, researchers examined surveys from over 15,000 people across the United States who were entering treatment for an opioid use disorder between 2011 and 2018. The study found that more than 9 in 10 of these patients had also used at least 1 other, non-opioid drug in the past 30 days.¹ When we think and talk about drug misuse in our community, we need to remember that opioids are often combined with other kinds of drugs.
One common combination is mixing opioids with stimulant drugs, like cocaine. When a person uses opioids and stimulants mixed together, it is often called “speedballing.” Both kinds of drugs in a “speedball” are powerful and dangerous on their own, and using them together makes them even more risky.
The box below has more information about what opioids and stimulants are, and how they can negatively impact the body and mind.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#e8e8e8″ module_alignment=”center” border_radii=”on|12px|12px|12px|12px” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|-28px|16px||false|false” custom_padding=”|18px||18px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”]
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Opioids are a group of drugs similar to opium, which comes from the poppy plant. Opioids work in the brain to provide relief from pain, but they are also very addictive. You may hear opioids described as “depressants” because they can lower heart rate, slow breathing, and cause sleepiness or confusion.
The illegal drug heroin, as well as medications like Vicodin®, OxyContin®, Percocet®, morphine, codeine, and fentanyl, are all opioids. Although these drugs have medical uses (except for heroin), they require a doctor’s prescription because they can easily cause addiction or be misused.
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Stimulants are drugs that increase the activity of a body part, usually the brain and nervous system. Stimulants may cause increased mental energy, alertness, sensitivity to light or sound, or irritability. In addition, these drugs may cause increased heart rate and body temperature, nausea, widened eyes, tremors, and restlessness.
Cocaine (or “crack”) and methamphetamine are two examples of stimulants. These stimulants are very powerful and can lead to addiction and other health problems if they are misused.
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Speedballs are often made from heroin and cocaine, but other types of opioid and stimulant combinations have also been used. Speedball mixtures have been used in a variety of ways.
People may misuse opioids and stimulants mixed in a speedball for many different reasons. A wide-spread myth is that the stimulant (or “upper”) effects of cocaine will counter-act the depressant (or “downer”) effects of opioids. Because of this myth, many people mistakenly think that speedballs are safer than opioids or stimulants alone. In fact, stimulants and opioids become even more dangerous when they are mixed together because they work on different parts of the body in different ways.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/heart-and-cardiogram.jpg” title_text=”heart and cardiogram” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”265.8px” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]The effects of cocaine (and other stimulants) and opioids do not last for the same amount of time. Cocaine’s effects begin very quickly but can wear off after a few minutes to an hour. However, the effects of heroin and other opioids can last for several hours.
Because cocaine wears off quickly, the person’s heart rate may also change quickly. Remember that stimulants like cocaine raise a person’s heart rate, while opioids lower the heart rate. Someone’s heart may beat very quickly for the first several minutes after speedballing. But once the stimulant wears off, the full effects of the opioid are felt and the heart rate drops quickly. These sudden changes in heart rate can cause stroke or heart failure.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]The truth is speedballs are dangerous. Stimulants and opioids carry risks when used alone, but the risks are amplified when two illicit drugs are used together. Protect yourself by choosing not to use illicit drugs and taking medicine only as directed. Share this information with people you know![/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” border_width_bottom=”2px” border_color_bottom=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ border_style_bottom=”double” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22border_color_bottom%22%93}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”||||on||||” link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]Reference:
1. Cicero, T. J., Ellis, M. S., & Kasper, Z. A. (Feb 1, 2020). Polysubstance Use: A Broader Understanding of Substance Use During the Opioid Crisis. American Journal of Public Health: 110(2). 244-250. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2019.305412[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” border_color_top=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ border_style_top=”none” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”notranslate” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ link_font=”||||on|||#0C71C3|” link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” custom_css_after=”||” border_color_top=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ global_module=”5663″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22text_text_color%22,%22border_color_top%22%93}”]
This website is available in multiple languages! We currently have translations (via artificial intelligence) in Spanish, Persian, Swahili, Ukrainian, and Urdu.
You can view translations of our RADARs by using the flag menu in the upper right corner, or by clicking one of the following links:
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[/et_pb_text][et_pb_social_media_follow use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”23px” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”facebook” url=”https://www.facebook.com/RAYSACVa/” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#3b5998″ global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]facebook[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”twitter” url=”https://twitter.com/raysacva” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#00aced” global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]twitter[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”instagram” url=”https://www.instagram.com/raysacva/” icon_color=”#FFFFFF” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#ea2c59″ global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]instagram[/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][/et_pb_social_media_follow][/et_pb_column_inner][/et_pb_row_inner][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/TakeThemBack-link-RADAR.png” title_text=”TakeThemBack link” url=”https://takethemback.org/” url_new_window=”on” show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” max_height=”150px” custom_margin=”|0px|||false|false” border_radii=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px” border_width_all=”5px” border_color_all=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_section]
[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Times New Roman||||||||” text_font_size=”14px” global_colors_info=”{}”]Pictured above, from left to right, are RAYSAC Board Vice Chair Tony Segovia, RAYSAC Board Member Sandra Pratt, Prevention Specialist Thomas Ragsdale, and Development & Evaluation Coordinator J. D. Carlin at the 2022 Rx and Illicit Drug Summit.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Head-Shot-Tony-250×300-1.jpg” title_text=”Head-Shot-Tony-250×300-1″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
RAYSAC board members and staff had the pleasure of attending the 2022 Rx and Illicit Drug Summit in Atlanta, Georgia. The Summit is the largest annual conference where stakeholders come together annually to share best practices and strategies for prevention, treatment, and recovery. Over the span of four days, there were numerous educational sessions to include: advocacy, clinical strategies, prevention, public safety, technology systems and strategies, trending topics, and treatment & recovery.
Since this is the first in-person event in two years, there was plenty of discussion from speakers on how the COVID-19 pandemic changed the landscape of healthcare delivery overnight. When the pandemic first hit communities and businesses everything shut down and behavioral health practitioners were forced to expand in innovative ways to serve their most at-risk community members. Of course, telehealth was the main way of expanding services, but there were also barriers to accessing these platforms or a need for quick changes to governmental policies that prevented the use of telehealth.
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With the pandemic we also saw the highest rates of overdose deaths and unfortunately this trend is continuing to rise. Per the CDC, there were over 100,000 drug overdose deaths in the United States during a 12-month period ending in April 2021. This was a new milestone which was exacerbated by the pandemic and deadly fentanyl in the illicit drug supply. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) is particularly deadly because in addition to being mixed into drugs, there is a mass production of fake pills which are then marketed as legitimate prescription medications. This is where we heard from a DEA official who provided a historical depiction of the ever-evolving drug market and discussed their media campaign, One Pill Can Kill. This campaign urges people to not take any type of medication that is not prescribed to them.
More recently, we have been informed that Virginia will receive $530 million from a national settlement with opioid manufacturers. Presenters shared a model law that community leaders and policymakers can use to help advocate for the adoption of state laws to ensure that the litigation proceeds are used to prevent overdoses, treat substance use disorders, and support recovery. Officials from many states shared ways in which they plan to safeguard the money to ensure that it is used for prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts and not misused like funds that have been received from the Tobacco Settlement since the 90’s.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”||||on|||#0C71C3|” link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ header_6_font=”Times New Roman||on||||||” header_6_text_color=”#000000″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]
Lastly, we heard from numerous presenters on the need to increase prevention efforts, reduce stigma, and address racial and ethnic disparities. There was discussion on how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have a relationship with a variety of substance-related behaviors later in life as well as an earlier onset of substance use. This calls for greater need of prevention efforts through early intervention and through education of those who are caring adults of the youth. There was also great discussion on the need for addressing and reducing stigma through social awareness and intentional engagement.
The conference was informative, thought-provoking, and very moving as there were so many stories of individuals navigating recovery or that unfortunately lost their battle with addiction. The biggest take away I have is that even with all the evidenced-based or evidence-informed programs, strategies, or tools that we have at our disposal, they do us no good if there isn’t awareness of them or if they aren’t being effectively implemented. Feel free to check out their website for more information: www.rx-summit.com
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb image=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/279315493_10158976030368231_7367603581020602119_n.jpg” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”Times New Roman||||||||” body_font_size=”14px” global_colors_info=”{}”]The artwork pictured above was one of many paintings displayed at the Rx and Illicit Drugs Summit. Created by Operation UNITE youth participants from eastern Kentucky, these paintings symbolize confidence, hope, and resilience.[/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ custom_padding=”12px||0px||false|false” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” border_width_top=”2px” border_color_top=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ border_style_top=”double” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”notranslate” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ link_font=”||||on|||#0C71C3|” link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” custom_css_after=”||” border_color_top=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ global_module=”5663″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22text_text_color%22,%22border_color_top%22%93}”]
This website is available in multiple languages! We currently have translations (via artificial intelligence) in Spanish, Persian, Swahili, Ukrainian, and Urdu.
You can view a translation of this page by using the flag menu in the upper right corner, or by clicking one of the following links:
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ specialty=”on” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|100px||100px|false|true” border_width_top=”2px” border_color_top=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ border_style_top=”double” global_module=”5806″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ specialty_columns=”2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|0px|-40px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”50px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|800|||||||” text_text_color=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ text_font_size=”18px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22text_text_color%22%93}”]
Connect with us on social media!
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Any medications can become a health hazard if they are left unsecured in the home. In some cases, prescriptions might be taken by someone to whom they were not prescribed. In other cases, someone might take more over-the-counter (OTC) medicine than the label says to take. Whether it happens on purpose or by accident, these forms of drug misuse can lead to illness, addiction, overdose, or even death. If you are currently taking any prescription or OTC medicines, store them in a secure location and be sure to always follow the instructions on the label. Safely dispose of any unused and expired medications to prevent them from being misused or polluting our water.
The box below has more information about two convenient ways to dispose of old medicine safely.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#e8e8e8″ module_alignment=”center” border_radii=”on|12px|12px|12px|12px” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|-28px|||false|false” custom_padding=”|18px||18px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”]
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb image=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/daleville-crop-e1649254309941.jpg” alt=”A person in a car reaches through their driver’s side window to drop unused medication into a collection bucket being held by a police officer at a Drug Take Back Day event.” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” body_text_color=”#000000″ body_link_font=”||||on|||#0C71C3|” body_link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ custom_margin=”|-28px|||false|false” custom_padding=”|18px||18px|false|true” link_option_url_new_window=”on” border_width_right=”2px” border_color_right=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22border_color_right%22%93}”]
RAYSAC partners with Western Virginia Water Authority, Prevention Council of Roanoke County, and others to host DEA Prescription Drug Take Back Days twice each year, usually in April and October. At these events, anyone can drop off unused medications with law enforcement officers. They will take the collected medicine directly to an incinerator to be destroyed.
The next Take Back Day is Saturday, April 30, 2022, from 10am – 2pm. You can find a list of collection sites in the Roanoke Valley at www.TakeThemBack.org and our flyers in English and Spanish.
[/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|18px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb image=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Disposalbox-e1649273222466.png” alt=”Image of a young woman placing a prescription pill bottle into a secure medication disposal box.” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” body_text_color=”#000000″ body_link_font=”||||on|||#0C71C3|” body_link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”|18px||0px|false|false” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]These secure disposal boxes can be found in pharmacies, clinics, and law enforcement offices around the Roanoke Valley. They work just like Take Back Days – simply collect your unused medicine and drop them in! Trained professionals will regularly empty the box and transport the contents to an incinerator. These secure disposal boxes are available year-round, so they are incredibly convenient to use while you go about your errands.
You can find a list of nearby medicine disposal boxes at www.TakeThemBack.org.[/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Getting rid of unused medicine is an easy and effective way to reduce the number of unneeded medications in your home. When there are fewer unneeded medications in our community, there is reduced risk for these drugs to be misused. These medicine disposal efforts also help protect our water. Medicine that is flushed down the toilet can get into our streams and lakes, so Take Back Days and disposal boxes are a great way to get rid of unneeded medication and protect our water at the same time.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”18px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]You can also help prevent drug misuse by storing any current medications in a secure location. This place should be away from the reach of small children and secured by a lock that only you know the combination to.
The next box has three pictures of some locking medicine containers that you can scroll through. RAYSAC will be giving away lots of these containers at our upcoming Take Back Day on April 30, along with some other useful items! We will have a limited supply of giveaways at Take Back Day, so come early or contact us if you need one.
We hope to see you at the next Take Back Day, but you don’t have to wait until then! You can gather any unused and expired medications today, and you can always use a year-round disposal box to get rid of unused or expired medication.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” border_radii=”on|12px|12px|12px|12px” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}”][et_pb_slider show_pagination=”off” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” show_arrows_last_edited=”off|desktop” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#E5E5E5″ module_alignment=”center” height=”215px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” hover_transition_speed_curve=”linear” border_color_all=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22border_color_all%22%93}” show_arrows__hover_enabled=”off|desktop”][et_pb_slide use_bg_overlay=”off” arrows_custom_color=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ dot_nav_custom_color=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” background_image=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Lock-Box.jpg” background_enable_image=”on” background_size=”contain” hover_transition_speed_curve=”linear” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22background_color%22,%22colorStart%22,%22arrows_custom_color%22,%22dot_nav_custom_color%22%93}” sticky_transition=”on”][/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide arrows_custom_color=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ dot_nav_custom_color=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” background_image=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Pill-Pod-Exterior.jpg” background_enable_image=”on” background_size=”contain” hover_transition_speed_curve=”linear” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22background_color%22,%22colorStart%22,%22arrows_custom_color%22,%22dot_nav_custom_color%22%93}” sticky_transition=”on”][/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide arrows_custom_color=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ dot_nav_custom_color=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” background_image=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Lock-Bag-scaled.jpg” background_enable_image=”on” background_size=”contain” hover_transition_speed_curve=”linear” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22background_color%22,%22colorStart%22,%22arrows_custom_color%22,%22dot_nav_custom_color%22%93}” sticky_transition=”on”][/et_pb_slide][/et_pb_slider][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” border_width_bottom=”2px” border_color_bottom=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ border_style_bottom=”double” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22border_color_bottom%22%93}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
All of us at RAYSAC thank you for safely disposing of unneeded medication and helping prevent drug misuse as we work together to
Limit Access, Reduce Misuse, and Protect Our Water.
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This website is available in multiple languages! We currently have translations (via artificial intelligence) in Spanish, Persian, Swahili, Ukrainian, and Urdu.
You can view a translation of this page by using the flag menu in the upper right corner, or by clicking one of the following links:
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ specialty=”on” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|100px||100px|false|true” border_width_top=”2px” border_color_top=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ border_style_top=”double” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22border_color_top%22%93}” global_module=”5806″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ specialty_columns=”2″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|0px|-40px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”50px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|800|||||||” text_text_color=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ text_font_size=”18px” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22text_text_color%22%93}”]
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[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ custom_padding=”19px||0px|||” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”||||on|||#0C71C3|” link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]You may have seen some recent articles on the RAYSAC News page about fentanyl, but what exactly is fentanyl?[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”||||on|||#0C71C3|” link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ width=”100%” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid similar to morphine, but up to 100 times more powerful. Fentanyl can be prescribed by a doctor to treat pain, but because it is so powerful, it is also illegally manufactured and sold. Fentanyl is so strong that very small doses can cause an overdose or death.
Recently, criminal drug organizations have been adding fentanyl as an ingredient in their counterfeit pills to increase their profits on the black market. However, a person may think these pills are authentic painkillers, when they are actually fakes that contain fentanyl. This can lead to unintentional overdose or death. In fact, according to a Virginia Department of Health report, fentanyl was involved in 71% of all drug overdose deaths in the state in 2020. The number of fentanyl overdose deaths has risen sharply over the past 5 years.¹
Unfortunately, social media has made it easier for dealers to sell drugs online, even to youth. Drug dealers can create anonymous profiles to sell illegal pills (potentially containing lethal amounts of fentanyl), often using coded messages and emojis.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb image=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/faux_fentynal_lethal_dose.jpg” alt=”DEA illustration of 2 milligrams of fentanyl next to a penny.” disabled_on=”on|off|off” _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” body_link_font=”||||on|||#0C71C3|” body_link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ animation=”off” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]Image source: Drug Enforcement Administration (dea.gov/onepill)[/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_testimonial author=”Jarod Forget” job_title=”Special Agent in Charge, DEA Washington Division” company_name=”Quoted at this link²” url=”https://www.dea.gov/stories/2022/2022-02/2022-02-16/fentanyl-deaths-climbing-dea-washington-continues-fight” url_new_window=”on” portrait_url=”https://raysac.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Jarod-Forget.jpg” quote_icon=”off” quote_icon_color=”gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”||||||||” body_font_size=”17px” author_font_size=”14px” position_font_size=”14px” company_font=”||||on|||#0C71C3|” company_text_color=”#0C71C3″ company_font_size=”14px” link_option_url=”https://www.dea.gov/stories/2022/2022-02/2022-02-16/fentanyl-deaths-climbing-dea-washington-continues-fight” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-53dc02df-0d30-42af-bfa2-029888ff3a52%22:%91%22quote_icon_color%22%93}”]“Unfortunately, our kids are much more savvy with social media than we are. And they are the ones we see finding this stuff and dying from it. We must spread the word and stop this from happening in our communities.”[/et_pb_testimonial][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”||||on||||” link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]So what can we do about this fentanyl problem?
First, protect yourself by only taking medicine as instructed. Follow the directions on the medicine’s label, and do not share prescriptions. Talk to your doctor about the medicines you take; ask about their side effects and interactions with other substances. Do not take pills if you are not sure they came from a licensed pharmacy.
Next, have a conversation with the youth and young adults in your life. Share reliable information with them about the risks of fentanyl, counterfeit pills, and drug misuse. Have a conversation about social media and how youth can protect themselves online. If you are a parent or guardian, monitor your kids’ online habits and consider using parental control settings to block unsafe websites. You can also learn about the latest social media trends and what different emojis mean. The DEA has listed some examples of emojis used to sell drugs online at this link: https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2021-12/Emoji%20Decoded.pdf
Finally, share this information with others. You can help raise awareness of the dangers of illicit fentanyl and ways we can protect each other. And if you would like to get rid of any unwanted medications in your home, visit TakeThemBack.org to find a secure disposal box location near you.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” border_style_top=”none” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.8″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”||||on|||#0C71C3|” link_text_color=”#0C71C3″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]References
1. Virginia Department of Health, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. (Jan 2022). Fatal drug overdose quarterly report – 3rd quarter 2021. https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/18/2022/01/Quarterly-Drug-Death-Report-FINAL-Q3-2021.pdf
2. DEA Washington Division, Public Information Office. (Feb 16, 2022). Fentanyl deaths climbing, DEA Washington continues the fight. https://www.dea.gov/stories/2022/2022-02/2022-02-16/fentanyl-deaths-climbing-dea-washington-continues-fight
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It is no surprise that youth and young adults have faced new challenges to their mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings from the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey showed that, in the past year, nearly half of 10th and 12th grade students in the Roanoke Valley felt so sad or hopeless that they stopped doing some usual activities¹. Recent research has identified childhood depression as a key risk factor for opioid use in young adulthood (Shanahan et al., 2021)². This means we all need to be able to recognize warning signs and strengthen factors that protect youth mental health in our community.
If you are concerned about a loved one’s mental health or drug use, it is important to recognize warning signs of a developing problem. More importantly, it is essential to know that help is available and where you can find it! Here are some common signs and symptoms of drug misuse and mental health problems:
These are just some of the common signs that someone might be suffering from a mental health or substance misuse problem. Keep in mind that sometimes, warning signs might be hidden, or they may be caused by something other than a mental health or drug use problem. This list is NOT meant to diagnose a disease; it should only be used to help you decide if professional help is needed.
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While it is important to recognize signs of a problem and know when to get help, preventing problems from occurring in the first place is just as important. Many factors can increase or reduce a person’s risk for drug misuse. These are sometimes called risk factors and protective factors. Communities like ours can reduce the prevalence and impact of substance misuse by reducing risk factors and strengthening protective factors. And because many of these underlying factors influence multiple parts of society, we can all benefit from building up protective factors in our area.
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Protective factors can be found (and built up!) in any part of a community. They can be found in families, neighborhoods, communities, faith-based groups, schools, sports teams, clubs, friend groups and even an individual’s personal characteristics. There are too many opportunities for strengthening protective factors to list them all here, but some examples are:
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Boosting a teen’s mental health can be as simple as regularly asking them about school and their group of friends. We all need help from others sometimes, so let’s all show that we care about youth by investing in their mental well-being.
References
1. 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey implemented in the counties of Botetourt and Craig and the cities of Roanoke and Salem in grades 10 and 12. 47.3% of respondents said that, during the past 12 months, they felt so sad or hopeless almost every day for two weeks or more in a row that they stopped doing some usual activities.
2. Shanahan, L., Hill, S. N., Bechtiger, L., Steinhoff, A., Godwin, J., Gaydosh, L. M., Harris, K. M., Dodge, K. A., & Copeland, W. E. (2021). Prevalence and Childhood Precursors of Opioid Use in the Early Decades of Life. JAMA pediatrics, 175(3), 276–285. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2020.5205
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