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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Resources & Data
Contact Us
Email us at tuc.drugsafesolano@tu.edu for more information.
To speak with a Patient Navigator please call Sandi Apodaca at 707-333-0601.