WTOP and Hubbard Broadcasting are teaming up with Partnership for Drug-Free Kids to promote education on keeping your kids safe.
Click here to find out how much you know about answering your kids questions about drugs.
As part of The Medicine Abuse Project, Partnership for Drug-Free Kids reminds you of action steps you can take:
Action 1: Three Steps to Safeguard Your Home
Make sure the teens in your life don’t have access to your medicine. Find out how to monitor, secure and properly dispose of unused and expired prescription (Rx) and over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicine in your home, and learn more at drugfree.org/MedicineAbuseProject.
Step One: Monitor How aware are you of the quantities that are currently in your home?
Step Two: Secure
Step Three: Dispose
Action 2: Know the Signs and Symptoms of Medicine Abuse
The best way to prevent prescription drug abuse is to learn about the issue.
Recognize the symptoms:
The signs and symptoms of prescription medicine abuse depend on the particular drug. Because of their mind-altering properties, the most commonly abused prescription drugs are opioid painkillers, anti-anxiety medications/sedatives and stimulants.
Pain Reliever Abuse (Opioid painkillers- used to treat pain) |
Depressant Abuse(Anti-anxiety medication and sedatives) | Stimulant Abuse (Used to treat ADHD and certainsleep disorders) |
Depression Low blood pressureDecreased breathing rate Confusion SweatingConstricted pupils | Drowsiness Confusion Poor judgment Dizziness Slurred speechRespiratory depression |
Weight loss Agitation Irritability Insomnia High blood pressure, Irregular heartbeat Anxiety, Impulsive behavior |
When to see a doctor: Talk to your doctor if you think you or someone you know may have a problem with prescription drug use. You may feel embarrassed to talk to your doctor about it — but remember that medical professionals are trained to help you, not judge you. Identifying prescription drug abuse as soon as possible is important. It’s easier to tackle the problem early before it becomes an addiction and leads to more serious problems.
Action Three: Talk to Your Family, Friends and Other Parents
It is important to talk to your kids about the risks of abusing prescription drugs and over-the-counter cough medicine. Children who learn a lot about the risks of drugs from their parents are up to 50 percent less likely to use drugs than those who do not get this information at home.
As a parent, teach your teen to:
Share What You Know:
If you’re a parent, share information with family, friends and neighbors. If you’re a doctor or other health care provider, share educational materials with your patients. If you’re a community leader or law enforcement official, share information with the people in your community. If you’re a teacher, school nurse or administrator, share information with the parents and students in your school.
If You Are a Parent You Should:
Heroin is an epidemic in our society. To find out more about how to end this epidemic click here
More Resources:
The Parents Toll- Free Helpline 1-855-DRUGFREE
This bilingual (English/Spanish) helpline provides concerned callers with valuable information about substance abuse prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery from addiction. It is staffed by trained parent specialists who take calls on Monday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST.
DrugFree.org
At drugfree.org, you will find a wealth of information, tools and opportunities to help prevent and get help for drug and alcohol abuse by teens and young adults.