Prescription Opioid Misuse Prevention

Prescription Opioid Drug Misuse has become a major epidemic in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control, since 1999, the quantity of prescription painkillers prescribed and sold in the U.S. has nearly quadrupled, with a parallel increase of people becoming addicted to narcotics. In 2013, nearly two million Americans abused prescription painkillers and more than 16,000 people in the U.S. died. Each day, almost 7,000 people are treated in emergency departments for using these drugs in a manner other than as directed.

The most abused medications are pain relievers (opioids) such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, percocet, methodone and codeine. Those who abuse prescription narcotics drugs think they are safe because they are not illegal but once addicted, it can be hard to stop.

Recognizing that opioid abuse is a national health epidemic, the AMA Alliance, in collaboration with the American Medical Association, is focusing efforts and attention to educating physician families and our communities about the causes, the dangers, and the treatments of opioid abuse and addiction.

In a unique communications partnership, the AMA Alliance (AMAA) and ITN Productions are producing a news and current affairs-style program designed to raise awareness of effective practices individuals and communities are using to stem and reverse the epidemic. ‘The Opioid Epidemic: Empowering Community Action’ aims to highlight the commitment of the government agencies, nonprofits, universities, companies, and AMA Alliance community to work towards solutions on the most pressing issues in addressing the epidemic. Read more

The AMA Alliance has developed a free downloadable white paper as well as a DVD, brochure and postcards which are available for purchase using the links below.

Brochure - front and back


Door Hanger - front and back

Postcard - front and back

Brochures, Door Hangers and Postcards - Place Order

DVD - Place Order

White Paper (downloadable pdf)

We would like to thank Dr. David Claborn at Missouri State University Master of Public Health Department, graduate students Madison Poiry and Karishma Agarwal, Video - Carla Weber director and Dan Caringer with Mercy Health System Talent Development and Audiovisual, talent Jennifer White for their contribution, co operation and assistance on this project.

Take Action

Prescription Drug Take-Back Days - The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) periodically hosts National Prescription Drug Take-Back events where collection sites are set up in communities nationwide for safe disposal of prescription drugs.

The National Community Pharmacists Association Foundation Dispose My Meds - This program helps locate medication disposal programs at the local independent community pharmacy near you.

Resources

“Pills are NOT a Party!” - Educational DVD packets designed for middle school youth are available for purchase from the Greene County Medical Society Alliance Springfield Missouri.

Safe Disposal of Medicine Guide

Office of National Drug Control Policy

AMA Advocacy Topic on Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention

AMA Advocacy Topic on Opioid Abuse Prevention

CDC Injury Prevention & Control: Prescription Drug Overdose Resource

Orange County Heroin Task Force Update

Courtesy of MedChi, Maryland's State Medical Society

Sample Affiliate Resources for Drug Prevention Education


Secret No More, by Lisa Hillman
A true-story of hope for Parents with an Addicted Child
$16.99 (paperback), plus $3.50 handling and $6.70 two day Priority Mailing. 
Residents of MD and IL add sales tax.
Click here to order