Prescription medicines can be used in moderation and according to directions. They can also help with other health conditions. Some people are unaware of the dangers of leaving medications unattended in their homes, particularly medications with high abuse potential, like stimulants, tranquilizers, and pain relievers.
Even teens can abuse simple-to-find medicine, especially young adults. Catherine Hicks (7th Heaven star, parent advocate) is currently working with Safeguard My MedsTo teach Americans how they can prevent prescription drug abuse and addiction.
Statistics from the government show that 70% of those aged 12 and over who have used prescription pain reliefrs claim they received them from a friend, relative or family member.
“As the parent of a teenager, I know how important this issue is. Every day, more than 2,500 teenagers abuse prescription medicine for the first time, and they don’t even need to leave the house to do it,”Hicks.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 20% of teens had taken prescription drugs without the permission of a doctor. Hicks believes that a few simple steps can make a big difference.
* Keep medication in a locked container out of reach of visitors, children and pets;
* Keep a list of medicines at home;
* Never share prescription drugs with anyone or mix them;
* Talk to your local pharmacists about the best way to store and get rid of old medicines;
* Tell friends and family to keep their medications secure.
“When we keep prescription medicine in our homes, we need to keep those medicines safe,”Keith Hodges is a pharmacist and a member of the executive committee for the National Community Pharmacists Association. “We can all make a difference by storing and disposing of our medicine in the right way.”
The National Community Pharmacists Association offers Safeguard My Meds as a free resource. Purdue Pharma L.P. Vis is providing it. www.safeguardmymeds.org.
