HEALTH:See What You Can Do to Help Fight the Opioid Epidemic.

Proper disposal
of prescription painkillers and use
of safe alternatives to manage pain
could help combat America's opioid
abuse epidemic, doctors say.
"Today, we are in the midst of an opioid crisis," said Dr. David
Ring, chairman of the American Academy of Orthopaedic
Surgeons' (AAOS) Committee on Patient Safety.
In 2015, about 12.5 million Americans misused prescription
opioids (such as OxyContin and Vicodin) and more than
15,000 overdose deaths were attributed to the drugs,
according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services.
"Orthopaedic surgeons, along with other physicians and health
care professionals, are working diligently and collectively to
reduce the strength and number of opioid pills prescribed for
patients, and to change the patient-doctor conversation
regarding pain: how pain can be safely managed with non-
opioid medications, therapies and coping strategies; and the
potential danger for opioid misuse," Ring said in an AAOS
news release.
As part of Pain Awareness Month in September, the AAOS
offers the following advice on pain management and proper
disposal of unused opioid medications:
Expect some pain after surgery or an injury. Pain is a normal
part of healing and will improve day-by-day. Studies show that
patients who prepare for pain are less uncomfortable and
have a better feeling that recovery is on track.
Follow orders. Create a pain relief plan with your doctor and
stick to it. It may include a mix of opioid-based medications
and over-the-counter pain medications.
Use opioids sparingly. If you're prescribed opioids after
surgery or an injury, take as few as possible and stop as soon
as you can. Non-opioid medications -- such as acetaminophen
(Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or other treatments --
may help manage pain.
Take opioids as prescribed. Never combine them with alcohol
or anxiety medications and don't take them for any reason
other than pain. If you're tempted to take opioids to feel happy
or relaxed, you are in danger, the AAOS warns.
Store carefully. Hide or lock away opioids so pets, children or
other people won't find them. Keep them in their original
packaging, which includes the patient's name and directions.
Get rid of leftovers. Take unused opioids to a disposal unit in
a pharmacy or police station. If your area does not have such
a service, you can flush the drugs down the toilet or dispose
of them safely in the garbage by mixing them with kitty litter
or coffee grounds, or placing them in a sealed plastic bag or
container. Do not crush pills or capsules when throwing them
away.
Protect your identity. Always remove the label before
throwing away an empty medication container.