Topics: Substance Abuse
Everyday 2,000 kids abuse a prescription drug for the first time. One of the most important things we can do is to safeguard and dispose of medication properly. Kids say that they get these drugs from family and friends. Many of those medications are found in common locations around the home such as dresser tops, medicine cabinets, bathroom and kitchen counters, or even pocketbooks. In addition to education parents and other adults should take steps to secure medications and properly dispose of any unused drugs.
September 29 from 10 am to 2 pm is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day organized by the Drug Enforcement Administration. There will be take-back locations in every state where unused medications can be turned in.
If you are not able to attend a take-back event, you can still dispose of medications safely at home. Because it is bad for our environment (the ground, water and air) to flush medicine down the toilet, try mixing unwanted prescription medicines with coffee grounds or kitty litter. This makes pills less appealing and less recognizable to anyone who can see your trash – including your kids. For more information read this resource from FDA.
To learn more about how schools can help to keep kids safe visit Rx for Understanding.