When used as prescribed and directed, medicine can improve lives. Taking prescription drugs in a way that has not been recommended by a doctor can be more dangerous than people think. In fact, it's drug abuse and it is illegal, just like taking street drugs.
When it comes to prescription and over-the-counter medicine in the home, parents should take steps to safely secure and lock medication, count pills regularly, and be aware of the "study drug" culture. School pressure can be intense at times and some teens may see these medications as performance enhancers rather than drugs of misuse. Teens may consider them to be "safe" because they are prescribed by a doctor - but no one should take medication unless it is specifically prescribed to them.
Parents are encouraged to have conversations with their child that includes giving them space to ask questions about medications they take. You can also start a dialogue by asking, "I've heard about students using medications to help with studying. Have you heard about things like that from your friends at school?"
Click on this helpful resource to learn more about what parents need to know to help protect children, teens, and young adults from misuse of prescription and over-the-counter medication:
On Monday, we will learn more about the danger of counterfeit pills, like Fentanyl, and how to protect our loved ones and make sure they know about harm reduction strategies.
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