First, parents should carefully monitor medication. This includes keeping track of all prescriptions for family members, including the frequency of refills. If pills start to disappear at a faster rate than the prescription dictates, this is a sign of a possible problem. In addition, ask friends and relatives to do the same, and inform them about the high risks associated with prescription drug abuse.
Second, parents should make sure that prescription medications are secure. In a recent government study, over two-thirds of teens who reported abusing prescription substances said they got the substances from a friend or relative (without their knowledge). Prescription medications should be safely hidden or kept under lock and key to prevent dangerous misuse. Don't leave them unattended in the medicine cabinet.
Third, parents should safely dispose of medications that are no longer in use. Many pharmacies will accept unfinished prescriptions for disposal - a much safer alternative to simply throwing half-full bottles in the household trash.
(Source: www.examiner.com)
Labels: prescription drugs, abuse, kids
Posted By: Aspen Education Group