Prevention
Protect your loved ones from substance abuse.
PREVENTING DRUG ABUSE AND ADDICTION
There are three things that you can do to help prevent drug abuse and addiction:
1. Proactively educate your family on the dangers of drugs and opioids.
Prevention starts early and is proactive. Parents who spend time with their children and take time to connect as a family are more likely to notice changes in behavior earlier to help intervene and address potential substance use issues.
Adolescents and teens are a particularly vulnerable group because the earlier an individual starts smoking, drinking or using other drugs, the greater the likelihood of developing an addiction. Studies show that 9 in 10 people with substance problems started using by age 18.
Following are resources to help you talk to you family:
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Signs of Drug Use in Adolescents and Teens
2. Ensure proper usage of prescription drugs under the guidance of a physician.
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Learn about the dangers of opioid prescriptions and how over-prescription has led to the opioid epidemic. If you are prescribed opioids for chronic pain, consider other ways that you might be able to manage pain without prescription opioids.
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Verify proper usage by following prescription directions as explained by the doctor, pharmacist and shown on the prescription label
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Keep notes on interactions of the prescription with other medications and alcohol so that you are able to make choices that keep you in optimal health
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Do not increase frequency or amount of prescribed medication. Consult with your doctor to discuss any changes with your prescription.
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Store prescriptions safely and out of reach from other family members, children or visitors.
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Do not use other people’s prescriptions or give your prescriptions to others
3. Safely dispose of unused or expired prescriptions in the home including common opioid prescriptions.
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Educate yourself and other members of your family through resources like this instructional video, how to properly dispose of prescription drugs.
Examples of prescription opioid medications include:
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Codeine – an ingredient in some cough syrups and in one Tylenol® product
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Hydrocodone – Vicodin®, Lortab®, or Lorcet®
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Oxycodone – Percocet®, OxyContin®, or Percodan®
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Hyrdromorphone – Dilaudid®
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Morphine – MSContin®, MSIR®, Avinza®, or Kadian®
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Propxyphene – Darvocet® or Darvon®
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Fentanyl – Duragesic®