Many parents wonder about how to address issues they come across with their pre-teen and teen children. Topics like drugs & alcohol, bullying, and diet can be hard for parents to deal with. Well here's a parent blog just for Rose Tree Media Parents to help Start the Discussion!
Among young people ages 12-17, prescription drugs have become the second most abused illegal drug, behind marijuana. Nearly half (47%) of teens who use prescription drugs say they get them for FREE from a relative or friend (Office of National Drug Control Policy).*1 in 5 teens abuse prescription medications
*Prescription medications are now being abused more than cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, and methamphetamines combined.
INFORM YOUR TEEN:
*While prescription drugs may be cheap and easy to obtain, they are far from safe.
*Prescription medications can be just as addictive and dangerous as illicit drugs bought off the street (with a wide range of negative side effects, including death)
*Though prescription drugs may be legal, it is illegal and unacceptable for you to ever use them without a docto's (and my) permission.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Monitor: Keep tabs on your medications and be the controller (personally handing out the medicine) if your child is prescribed a drug.
Secure: Lock up your prescription and over-the-counter medications. (stay tuned for next blog entire on you can get involved with the Lock-your-meds campaign.)
Dispose: Discard expired and unused prescriptions by mixing it with kitty littler or coffee grounds in a can or bag and placing it in the trash (for environmental purposes it is not safe to flush down the toilet...or find out when the next drug take back day is!)
KNOW! is a program of Drug-Free Action Alliance with funding provided by the United Way of Central Ohio to empower parents to raise their children substance-free. Presented by Holcomb and funded through the Delaware County Office of Behavioral Health Diviosion of Drug and Alcohol.
