TIPS FOR PREVENTING PRESCRIPTION ABUSE:

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Think about your home. What prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs do you have?  Where are they kept? Would you know if some were missing? The good news is that you can take steps immediately to limit access to these drugs and help keep your teen drug-free:

#1  SAFEGUARD ALL DRUGS AT HOME.  MONITOR QUANTITIES AND

      CONTROL ACCESS.

            Take note of how many pills are in a bottle or pill packet, and keep track of refills.

This goes for your own medication, as well as for your teen and other members of your household.  If you find you have to refill medication more often than expected, there could be a real problem-someone may be taking your medication without your knowledge.  If your teen has been prescribed a drug, be sure you control the medication, and monitor dosages and refills.

#2 SET CLEAR RULES FOR TEENS ABOUT ALL DRUG USE, INCLUDING

     NOT SHARING MEDICINE AND ALWAYS FOLLOWING THE MEDICAL   

     PROVIDER’S ADVICE AND DOSAGES.

            Make sure your teen uses prescription drugs only as directed by a medical

provider and follows instructions for OTC products carefully.  This includes taking the proper dosage and not using with other substances without a medical provider’s approval.  Teens should never take prescription or OTC drugs with street drugs or alcohol.  If you have any questions about how to take a drug, call your family physician or pharmacist.

3#  TALK TO YOUR TEENS ABOUT THE RISKS OF PRESCRIPTION DRUG  

      ABUSE.

Tell them that taking prescription or OTC drugs without a doctor’s approval and supervision can be a dangerous-even deadly decision.  Dispel the myth that these drugs are less harmful than street drugs because they are available through a doctor or at the local pharmacy.

#4  UNDERSTAND WHY TEENS ABUSE PRESCRIPTION AND OTC DRUGS.

People abuse drugs because drugs change the way they feel.  Many teens point to personal or family-related stress as a major reason, including stress around family life and relationships; academic competition; trying to fit in; the balance between school work, grades, and extracurricular activities like sports and clubs; and the desire to have the “ideal” physical appearance.

#5  BE A GOOD ROLE MODEL BY FOLLOWING THESE SAME RULES WITH

      YOUR OWN MEDICINES.

Examine your own behaviour to ensure you set a good example.  If you misuse your prescription drugs, such as share them with your kids, or abuse them, your teen will take notice.  Avoid sharing your drugs and always follow your medical provider’s instructions.

#6  PROPERLY DISPOSE OF OLD OR UNUSED MEDICINES.

Dispose of expired and unused medications at your local pharmacy.  Unless the directions say otherwise, do NOT flush medications down the drain or toilet because the chemicals can pollute the water supply. 

#7  BE VIGILANT ABOUT YOUR TEEN’S ACTIVITIES ONLINE. 

Anyone who has a computer and a credit card can order prescription drugs online even if they never see a doctor or get a written prescription.  Routinely monitor the Web sites your teen has visited and track purchases made with a credit card.  Be aware of what is mailed to your home.

#8  ASK FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO SAFEGUARD THEIR PRESCRIPTION

      DRUGS AS WELL.

Make use your friends and relatives, especially grandparents, know about the risks, too, and encourage them to regularly monitor their own medicine cabinets.  If you don’t know the parents of your child’s friends, then make an effort to get to know them, and get on the same page about rules and expectations for use of all drugs, including alcohol and illicit drugs.