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Drug Safe Solano

Opioid abuse does not discriminate. People from all walks of life, all ages, and socio-economic backgrounds are impacted by what the Center for Disease Control and Prevention call, "an opioid epidemic."

In partnership with Touro University California, Drug Safe Solano provides education, resources and training to help reduce the impact of the opioid epidemic.

207,295
opioid prescriptions written in Solano County in 2020 alone
39
opioid-related deaths in Solano County in 2020
187
ER visits due to opioid overdose in Solano County in 2020

Drug Safe Solano

Hi we're Drug Safe, Solano. And today, we're going to show you how to recognize an opioid overdose and administer naloxone. Here are some signs and symptoms that may indicate an opioid overdose. A person may be unresponsive or not waking up. The individual may have slow or stopped breathing, often making gurgling, choking, or snoring sounds. The person may have pale or blue lips, and/or fingertips. In addition, you may notice that the individual is exhibiting pinpoint pupils.

If you think someone is overdosing, please call 911. Check if the individual is responsive by shouting the person's name, shaking their shoulders, and rubbing their chest to see if they wake up. If the person is still not responsive, please call 911 immediately. Give naloxone as quickly as possible, if available. Do not wait for emergency workers to arrive before giving naloxone.

So how do we administer naloxone? Each naloxone box contains two doses of naloxone. Remove one nasal spray from the box to use. Correctly hold the naloxone with your thumb placed on the bottom, and your pointer and middle finger in between the nozzle. Insert the tip of the nozzle in either nostril. Your pointer and index finger should meet the person's nose. Spray one nostril with one full dose of naloxone.

Here's what to do after giving naloxone. Place the individual in recovery position, and watch them closely for signs of waking or improved responsiveness. If two to three minutes have passed and the individual is still unresponsive, you can use a second naloxone dose to administer. Stay with the person until emergency help arrives. They may wake up confused, uncomfortable, or upset. Remember, naloxone can wear off between 30 to 90 minutes.

Drug Safe Solano. Protect Your Loved ones. Carry Naloxone.

What We Do

Founded in 2018, Drug Safe Solano's mission is to provide all Solano County residents with equitable access to addiction prevention and treatment resources.

Drug Safe Solano (DSS) is a 40-member coalition that represent a multidisciplinary approach to public health, including healthcare systems, pharmacies, and law enforcement groups, with action teams dedicated to expanding access to medication assisted treatments, MAT, as well as Narcan trainings offered throughout the county.

We also have worked with the Solano County Board of Supervisors to approve an expansion of MAT in the Solano County jails.

The mission of Drug Safe Solano is threefold

  1. We seek to decrease the stigma of addiction, serve as a resource for patients and professionals and increase public education of the opioid crisis and the use of Naloxone.
  2. We are committed to saving lives by preventing opioid overdoses and deaths through reducing the number of opioid prescriptions and safe disposal of prescription opioids.
  3. We will work to expand access to Medication Assisted Treatment and other forms of treatment, both in inpatient and outpatient settings.

Help make a difference

Many people might not know the signs that either they or someone they love has an addiction. Learn the symptoms.

More than 11 million Americans ages 12 an up misused prescription pain relievers in the past year. Learn about the CDC RXawarness Campaign.

Addiction & Prevention

Addiction

We want you to be informed about opioid addiction. Here are the warning signs:

Signs You May Have an Addiction

  • Taking the opioid in larger amounts or for longer than you’re prescribed
  • Wanting to cut down or stop using the opioid but being unable to
  • Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from use of the opioid
  • Attempting to keep your usage a secret
  • Cravings and urges to use
  • Not managing to do what you should at work, home, or school because of usage
  • Continuing to use, even when it causes problems in relationships
  • Taking risks to obtain opioids
  • Feeling that you need it to deal with your problems
  • Making excuses when people act concerned
  • Giving up social, occupational, or recreational activities due to use
  • Using even when it puts you in danger
  • Needing more of the opioid to get the effect you want (tolerance)
  • Continuing to use, even when you know you have a physical or psychological problem that could have been caused or made worse by the opioid

Signs Someone You Know May Have an Addiction

  • Sleeping issues, such as difficulty falling asleep, being up at odd hours, or falling asleep at odd times
  • Oddly lethargic or unusually energetic
  • Changes in appetite
  • Pupils either larger or smaller than usual
  • Sudden changes in weight
  • Change in tolerance to medication (needing higher dose or more frequent dosing)
  • Deceptive behavior
  • Changes in hygiene or appearance
  • Financial issues

Prevention

We want to keep you safe. To prevent opioid overdoses and other opioid-related harms, please keep these tips in mind.

Lock Up Medications

  • Keep all medications locked away in a secure lock box
  • Daily medications must also be kept out of reach and locked away
  • Do not depend on “childproof” caps
  • Be prepared with Poison Control’s number programmed into your phone(s) – 1-800-222-1222

Know Your Medication (Opioid Side Effects)

  • Possibility of increasing tolerance to medication, thus, requiring more medication to achieve pain relief
  • Possibility of acquiring a dependence to medication, thus, leading to withdrawal if medication is stopped
  • Possibility of increasing one’s sensitivity to pain
  • Possibility of constipation
  • Possibility of nausea and/or vomiting
  • Possibility of dry mouth
  • Possibility of sleepiness and dizziness
  • Possibility of confusion
  • Possibility of developing or increasing depression
  • Possibility of itching and/or sweating
  • Possibility of lowering levels of testosterone resulting in lower sex drive, less energy and less strength

Storing Your Medications

  • Keep all the individual’s medications separate from one another to avoid confusion and accidental taking of the wrong medication
  • Keep all medications in their original container. This identifies whose medication it is, protects the medication (amber plastic), lets you see the amount and times for dosing, has the pharmacy information on the bottle, and avoids confusion on what the medication is

Safe Disposal

  • Find local Drug Take Back services
  • Local Police Stations
  • Local Pharmacies
  • Invest in drug deactivation systems

Alternative Pain Management Options

  • Pain relief from non-opioid medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen
  • Physical therapy and exercise
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy where patients learn how to modify physical, behavioral, and emotional triggers of pain and stress

Preventing an Overdose

  • Avoid taking opioids with alcohol
  • Be aware of the effects of combining opioids with other drugs
  • Avoid taking high daily doses of opioids, even if prescribed
  • Do not take more opioids than recommended
  • Do not take opioids if you have medical conditions that increase your risk such as sleep apnea, reduced kidney, or liver function
  • Limit opioids if you are older than 65 years of age

Contact Us

Email us at tuc.drugsafesolano@tu.edu for more information.

To speak with a Patient Navigator please call Sandi Rose Ellerbe at 707-333-0601.