The Irvine Prevention Coalition (IPC) is a coming together of community partners representing more than 92 civic, business, school, faith, parent, school, youth and community based agencies who work together to support children, youth and families in Irvine. The Irvine Prevention Coalition meets regularly to coordinate our school and community based prevention and early intervention efforts. If you live or work in Irvine and would like to get involved in alcohol, tobacco and other drug and violence prevention, we invite you to join us.

The mission of the Irvine Prevention Coalition (IPC) is to support a safe and caring community by working together to provide prevention strategies and coordinated services designed to reduce substance abuse, violence and related problems among our youth.

On December 31, 2008, Tristan died in Irvine after taking a prescription narcotic painkiller. The following October, Tristan’s mom wrote a heartfelt letter to Irvine parents in which she said,
“It is important to be aware of changes in your teenager and act swiftly when you find out they are experimenting with drugs and alcohol. Today, the drugs next in line after alcohol and marijuana are more dangerous and the difference between life and death can be one milligram.”
IRVINE Prescription and Over the Counter Drug Abuse Awareness Week - February 22-28, 2010

Prescription (Rx) and Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drug Abuse

Teens are abusing some Rx and OTC drugs to get high. This includes painkillers, such as those prescribed after surgery; depressants, such as sleeping pills or anti-anxiety drugs; and stimulants, such as drugs prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Teens are also abusing OTC drugs, such as cough and cold remedies. Because Rx and OTC drugs are so readily available, and many teens believe they are a safe way to get high, teens who wouldn't otherwise touch illicit drugs might abuse Rx drugs. And not many parents are talking to them about it, even though teens report that parental disapproval is a powerful way to keep them away from drugs.

What are the Dangers?

There are serious health risks related to abuse of Rx and OTC drugs. A single large dose of Rx or OTC painkillers or depressants can cause breathing difficulty that can lead to death. Stimulant abuse can lead to hostility or paranoia, or the potential for heart system failure or fatal seizures. Even in small doses, depressants and painkillers have subtle effects on motor skills, judgment, and ability to learn. The abuse of OTC cough and cold remedies can cause blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, coma, and even death. Many teens report mixing Rx drugs, OTC drugs, and alcohol. Using these drugs in combination can cause respiratory failure and death. Rx and OTC drug abuse is addictive.

Irvine’s Rx OTC Awareness Week - February 22 to 28

Irvine Police Department together with the IPC community partners will host multiple drop off sites so you may properly dispose of medicines. Remove unused, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs from their original containers and take them to Irvine’s Prescription and Over the Counter Drug Take-Back locations for proper disposal. Remember: Do NOT flush medications down the drain or toilet because the chemicals can pollute the water supply. Also, remove any personal, identifiable information from prescription bottles or pill packages before you bring them to the Take-Back drop off site.

Rx and OTC Drug TAKE-BACK Locations

    * Monday, February 22, 5:00 to 7:00 pm: Costco at 115 Technology West Drive, Irvine (in the Irvine Spectrum)
    * Tuesday, February 23, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm: Lakeview Senior Center at 20 Lake Road, Irvine
    * Wednesday, February 24, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm: Rancho Senior Center at 3 Ethel Coplan Way, Irvine
    * Thursday, February 25, 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm: Waste Management at 16122 Construction Circle East, Irvine
    * Saturday, February 27, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm: Irvine Civic Center at One Civic Center Plaza, Irvine
    * Sunday, February 28, 7:30 am to 11:30 am: Christ Our Redeemer Church at 46 Maxwell, Irvine

Contact Lt. Rick Handfield at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 949-724-7016.