Opioid Safety

Know your alternatives.
Take safety measures.

safe use

  • Only take opioids prescribed to you.
  • Never share your prescription opioids.
  • Never take your opioids more often or in higher doses than prescribed or directed.
  • Keep a list of all medicines and supplements you take and discuss them with your doctors or pharmacist. Also discuss allergies you have, if you’re pregnant and any conditions you have.
  • Ask your doctor how your medicine will interact with other medicine and alcohol. This includes both prescription and over-the-counter meds.
  • Know the common risks and side effects associated with opioids. Call your doctor if a side effect is unexpected.
  • Taking prescription or over-the-counter medications with depressants such as sleep aids, anti-anxiety medications, or cold medicine can be dangerous.
  • Don’t change your dosage on your own. If you’re taking opioids and feel like you need to change something, immediately contact your medical provider or pharmacist
  • Properly dispose of all unused and expired prescription and over-the-counter medications.

In Case of Emergency

In case of emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.  If you have questions about safe use of opioids, call your doctor, pharmacist or Virginia Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

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safe storage

Get A Free Locking Device

Residents of Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax-Falls Church, Loudon and Prince William may obtain a free locking medication device from their local Prevention Team within the Community Services Board (CSB). 

Click for List of CSBs
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  • Store opioids out of reach of kids, family, pets and guests, preferably in a locked place.
  • Know where your opioids are at all times. Young children may think they’re candy or take them by mistake.
  • Keep track of the number of pills that are in your prescription so you are immediately aware if any are missing.
  • 5.5% of Virginia high school students had misused prescription opioids in the past month (2019).
  • Leftover opioids can tempt some teens to try them to get “high” or to experiment.
  • Keep opioids in the original container with the label attached and the child-resistant cap secured.
  • Store opioids as directed—usually in a cool, dry place. Avoid the kitchen and bathroom, where it can be hot and humid.
  • Do not combine medications into one bottle.