According to recent research, more than 50 million Americans 12 and older have misused prescription drugs; the same studies showed that over six million people use prescriptions recreationally each month. While prescription misuse is widespread, it is also preventable. Here, we offer several tips on keeping prescriptions out of the wrong hands.
Spend More Time With Family
This tip is simple but powerful. Not only will building and nurturing family relationships prevent drug abuse, but it also makes early warning signs easier to see. By spending time with friends and family—and by avoiding people who misuse prescription drugs—you’ll decrease the risk of fentanyl and opiate addiction.
Keep It Out of Sight
Home is where the heart is, but it’s also where most prescription drug abuse starts. Parents should store medications securely, putting them in lockable drawers or boxes. Overdose is a significant risk among children and teens with easy access to prescription drugs, and simple steps will limit that access.
Keep an Eye On Prescriptions
While we can’t be everywhere at the same time, there are ways to monitor prescription drug use, including:
· Periodically counting pills in bottles.
· Tracking refills.
· Monitoring teens’ medicines, doses, and refill frequency.
By following these tips, you can do your part to prevent the misuse of prescription medicines.
Ask Questions
Most patients, when given prescription medicines, simply accept and take them. While doctors tell us which drugs we need, it’s up to us to learn about those medicines.
When doctors recommend drugs, ask about side effects, contraindications (conditions that make the drug dangerous), and overdose prevention. These questions may seem basic, but they’re beneficial. A little awareness is a powerful thing.
Don’t Save it for Later
Most of us do it, but it’s not always the best choice: saving prescription drugs for future use. In most cases, these drugs should be safely disposed of once the underlying condition has been treated. By eliminating unneeded drugs, we remove temptation and reduce the risk of overdose.
Don’t Share Medicines
Though children are taught that sharing is caring, the sentiment doesn’t extend to prescription medicines. Many people share their prescriptions with others, believing that it’s helpful, but it’s dangerous. Medications are chosen and given according to a person’s specific traits and aren’t meant for use by others. Not only is sharing medicines with others unsafe, but it is also illegal.
Practice Proper Disposal of Prescription Medications
Improper disposal of prescription medicines can leave them accessible and increase the risk of accidental overdose. The safest way to dispose of over-the-counter and prescription medicines is to drop them off at a take-back site.
Share Knowledge With Those Around You
Prescription drug safety is everyone’s responsibility, and a gentle reminder goes a long way. Reiterate that drugs are intended for specific purposes and restate your unwillingness to tolerate drug abuse. It’s not too late to set boundaries and share knowledge about the risks of prescription drug abuse, and it may save a life.
Help For Drug Abuse and Overdose Prevention
Sedatives, benzodiazepines, opiates, and other drugs have an extremely high risk of addiction, abuse, and overdose. By following the tips we’ve given here—and by seeking professional help when necessary—we can all prevent the damage caused by prescription drug misuse.
