Information for Healthcare Professionals

Research shows that many people who become addicted to heroin and other opioids began their drug use by taking drugs from family members or by abusing painkillers they were prescribed.  We encourage healthcare professionals to share the following information:

• Warn your patients about the potential for abuse of narcotic painkillers such as
  oxycodone and hydrocodone.

• Encourage them to dispose of old medications as
  soon as the need for them has passed.
  The Norwood Police Department maintains a drug disposal receptacle in
  the lobby at Police Headquarters. Patients can bring in their unused
  medications 24 hours a day, seven days per week. No appointment is needed and no questions are asked.

• Medications should be removed from medicine cabinets during social
  gatherings and prior to real estate open houses.