The Rx Abuse Leadership Initiative (RALI) of Minnesota is made up of leaders focused on effective solutions to the opioid epidemic.
The opioid crisis has reached every corner of our state.
RALI Minnesota is working with local, state and national partners to ensure effective programs are available to those in need. We support a broad range of solutions across prevention, treatment and recovery. Our initial focus is on raising awareness of the warning signs of opioid misuse and providing tools to enable the safe disposal of unused prescription medicines.
About Us
Leaders Making a Difference
This epidemic is complex. No single organization or program will solve it. Our broad-based group of partners is committed to combatting the opioid epidemic from all sides through a multi-faceted approach.
More information about our RALI Minnesota partners is available by clicking on the images to the right.
Partner spotlights:
JustUs Health
JustUs Health provides education and prevention services for diverse gender, sexual and cultural communities across the state. Programs include chemical health assessments, referrals to treatment, counseling, aftercare coordination and classes about chemical health and opioid addiction. Click here to learn more about their programs.
Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation
The Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation is raising awareness of the opioid crisis and the resources available for individuals through the Farm Town Strong initiative. Learn more about their work at farmtownstrong.org.
Have an organization, event, or individual in your community making a difference in the fight against opioid misuse? Let us know by filling out a short form:
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Safe Use & Disposal
We all have a role to play in preventing prescription drug misuse. Below is information about how to safely use, store and dispose of medications.
Safely use:
Safely store:
Always talk to your doctor about how to use a prescription medication before taking it.
Be sure to follow dosing
recommendations closely.
Do not mix medications without first checking with your doctor.
Never mix prescription opioids with alcohol.
Always keep prescription medications in a locked or secure place – and always out of the reach of children.
Have a family conversation about the dangers of misusing prescription medication.
Safely dispose:
Once you are finished using a
prescription medication as directed by a medical professional, you should safely dispose of it. Don’t keep it
“just in case.”
There are several ways to
safely dispose of unneeded medications that are easy
and can be done at home.
Never share medications with family members.
Don’t take someone else’s medication.
One of the best things we can all do to help address the opioid crisis in our state is to safely dispose of unneeded prescription medications. There are several options:
01
Use HOUSEHOLD GOODS
02
VISIT A DRUG TAKE BACK
03
USE A HOME DISPOSAL KIT
We all have a role to play in preventing prescription drug misuse. Below is information about how to safely use, store and dispose of medications.
Safely use:
Always talk to your doctor about how to use a prescription medication before taking it.
Be sure to follow dosing
recommendations closely.
Do not mix medications without first checking with your doctor.
Don’t take someone else’s medication.
Never mix prescription opioids with alcohol.
Safely store:
Always keep prescription medications in a locked or secure place – and always out of the reach of children.
Have a family conversation about the dangers of misusing prescription medication.
Never share medications with family members.
Safely dispose:
Once you are finished using a prescription medication as directed by a medical professional, you should safely dispose of it rather than keep it in your medicine cabinet for future use.
There are several ways to easily and safely dispose of unused medications right at home. Learn more below.
One of the best things we can all do to help address the opioid crisis in our state is to safely dispose of unneeded prescription medications. There are several options:
USE HOUSEHOLD GOODS
to dispose of your unused medications. All you have to do is mix your medicines with kitty litter or old coffee grounds in an airtight container and dispose of it in your trash
VISIT A DRUG TAKE BACK
center in your community. Click HERE to find locations in Minnesota.
USE A HOME DISPOSAL KIT
Put unused medications in the included pouch, add water, seal and dispose of it in the trash.
Visit the Food and Drug Administration website or talk to your doctor about the disposal method best suited for the medication you have been prescribed.
Safe Use & Disposal
If someone you know has started misusing opioids, early intervention is important. Learning the warning signs of opioid addiction can help protect your family, friends and communities.
Physical and behavioral changes could indicate someone is misusing prescription opioids or illegal drugs, like heroin or fentanyl.
Common signs of opioid misuse:
Physical signs:
Increase in fatigue or
drowsiness
Rapid weight loss
Frequent constipation
or nausea
Decline in personal
hygiene
Wearing long sleeves regardless of the season
Physical signs:
Behavioral Signs:
Unexplained absences
from school or work
Drop in grades or performance at work
Loss of interest in hobbies
Spending less time with friends or family
Hanging out with a new friend group
Indicators in the Home:
Missing prescription medications
Empty pill bottles
Paraphernalia, such as syringes, shoe laces or rubber hose, kitchen spoons, aluminum foil, straws, lighters
Spotting warning signs in teenagers can be particularly hard because young people go through many emotional and physical changes.
If you suspect a loved one is misusing opioids, there are resources that can help you prepare for a conversation with them. It’s also important to talk to your family doctor about prevention and treatment options.
Warning Signs
