Parents: You May Be A Drug Supplier This Summer
Studies show that more teens start using drugs during the summer months – while unsupervised and with more free time.With the end of the school year approaching, children look forward to a long break – and a lot of time at home alone. When teenagers are released from school for long break periods such as summer, the risk of substance abuse increases.
The CDC lists prescription drug abuse as the fastest-growing drug problem among 12-17 year olds. One in four high school students in the U.S. admits to having taken a prescription drug without a prescription. The number of teens going into treatment for addiction to prescription drugs has increased by more than 300%. Emergency room visits for prescription drug abuse have more than doubled since 2004, 48% of all ER visits for prescription drug abuse are by young people ages 12-20. Prescription drugs are now involved in more overdose deaths than heroin and cocaine, combined.
TIPS FOR PARENTS:
Safeguard all medicines by monitoring quantities and controlling access. Remove drugs from your medicine cabinet and lock them up.
Warn your youngsters that prescription drugs can be just as dangerous, addictive, and lethal as street drugs. Studies show that teens dangerously view prescription drugs as “safer” to abuse than illicit drugs.
Properly dispose of old or expired medicines in the trash. Hide or mix them with cat litter or coffee grounds before throwing them away.
Don’t have kids at home? What about your grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and your friends’ kids that visit your house?
Parents can learn more about preventing prescription drug abuse at home this summer by downloading the MEDucation Kit from Lock Your Meds. This resource provides a good dose of knowledge about prescription drug abuse among adolescents. The comprehensive kit teaches parents lessons about the problems of abuse and the solutions available for families. Parents can download the MEDucation kit here:
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