Preventing Addiction

Our primary goal is to prevent substance use and addiction from ever happening in the first place. Here are some proven tools and techniques.

Develop Resiliency

Resilience is the ability to adapt well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress — such as family and relationship problems, serious health problems or workplace and financial stressors. It means “bouncing back” from difficult experiences.

Being resilient does not mean that a person doesn’t experience difficulty or distress. Emotional pain and sadness are common in people who have suffered major adversity or trauma in their lives. In fact, the road to resilience is likely to involve considerable emotional distress.

Resilience is a protective factor in avoiding substance misuse, including opioid addiction. To learn more about how to foster resilience, visit http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/road-resilience.aspx

To find resources that help foster resilience in children, visit http://www.snohd.org/aces

Safely Store Medications

When you do have medications in your home—whether they are prescribed or over-the-counter—please have them locked up.  Below are a few examples on how you can keep your medications out of the wrong hands.

Medical Lock Bags

The sturdy nylon material and standard keyed locking system reduces abuse and aids in the diversion of prescription drugs.  Although it’s not cut proof, it’s easy to detect if someone is trying to get access to your medication.

Medicine Lock Box
There are many different models and sizes to choose from, so you can select a lock box that will fit your specific needs. The entire box can then be stored out of reach of children.

Medicine Lock Bottle

Medicine lock bottles use a digit combination locking cap that can be used on the lock bottle or right on your existing prescription bottles. You choose the combination and set the lock.  Individual bottles that are locked are convenient for travel and quick access.

Take Back Your Meds

Keeping unused, unwanted and expired prescription drugs in your home poses a risk to you, your family and your community.  Improper disposal may lead to illegal use and may also contaminate our waters. In Snohomish County there is an easy, secure and responsible way to properly dispose of these drugs.