Gateway

With prescription drug abuse quickly on the rise, where exactly are kids getting medications and pain killers without a doctor’s prescription?

The answer may be more surprising than you think. Whether you know it or not, your home is the most likely place kids and teens can find drugs: Medicine cabinet – Think carefully of what you put in your medicine cabinet. Whether it’s Vicodin for your bad back or Percocet for your knee injury, these types of painkillers are being used by teens to get high. Put a lock on your cabinet or store them in a secure location.

Nightstand – Remember that you are your child’s most important role model. If you’re taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs as sleeping aids, explain why you’re using them and then store them in a locked place.

Trash can – Even expired medications aren’t off limits for kids looking for their next high. Properly conceal or dispose of unwanted medications by putting them in a bag or container and mixing them with something like cat litter or old coffee grounds.

Refrigerator – In addition to safeguarding your medications, monitor the number of beer cans, wine bottles and alcohol containers, as well as whipped cream cans—a dangerous inhalant—in your refrigerator. Garage – Sniffing or “huffing” household items is just as dangerous,if not more so, than taking prescription drugs. Keep track of and storeaway such things as spray paint, household cleaners, glue, gasoline and paint thinner.

For more information on prescription drugs and prevention add the Prescription Drug Issue to your MASK Library. Click here

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