Recently our community has sadly experienced some untimely deaths by young adults, who, for whatever reason, were self medicating themselves with prescription drugs. Their parents, siblings or friends either didn't know about this or thought that their loved one was safe because they were taking something a doctor prescribed. Prescription drugs pose a unique challenge for communities when it comes to misuse and abuse: we lack the knowledge about prescription drugs and their dangers, or possess a belief that prescription drugs are always "safe".

Because prescription drugs are prescribed by doctors and used appropriately by many for important health benefits, many may not think of these drugs as potential substances of abuse. They might not even know that they can be abused to get high. However, many people, young and old, in our community are abusing prescription drugs to get high or to lessen their mental or stress related pain. In fact, more teens and young adults abuse prescription drugs than any illicit drug except marijuana. Prescription painkillers like Vicodin and OxyContin are the most often abused prescription drugs.

Most of us don't consider the possibility that our unused medicines could get into the wrong hands and most of us don't know how to properly dispose of old medications.

Some good suggestions:
Bathroom
Keep all medicines, both prescription and over-the-counter, in a safe place -- such as a locked cabinet -- that you can monitor easily and others cannot access.

Think carefully about the pills that are in your family's medicine cabinet. Do you have Vicodin for your bad back? Percocet for that recurring knee injury? Painkillers like these are the prescription drugs most likely to be abused.  Examples of painkillers include OxyContin, Vicodin, and Tylenol with Codeine.

Parents' Bedroom
Bedside table
Remember that you are your child's most important role model. If you are taking prescription or OTC drugs for sleep problems, explain to your teen why you are taking them, that you keep track of your dosages, and that it is not safe to use them without a medical provider's approval.  Examples of common sleep aids include Ambien and Unisom.

Backpack
While many students appropriately take stimulants prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), some teens are sharing these drugs with their friends to party or help them concentrate more in school. In fact, nearly one in four kids with a prescription for stimulant medication has been approached with offers to sell, give, or trade their drugs. If your child has a prescription for stimulants make sure to monitor the dosage and the number of pills. Signs of stimulant abuse include anxiety, flushed skin, excessive energy, lack of sleep, irritability, or loss of appetite.  Examples of stimulants include Adderall, Ritalin, and Concerta.

Computer Room
Many Web sites provide detailed information on which prescription and OTC drugs -- and how much of them -- to take to get high, and for different effects. Teens often swap stories of their drug experiences and offer "tips" on social networking sites such as Facebook.com, which also may encourage risky behaviors. They can also surf the Internet for hundreds of pharmacies that sell prescription drugs without a prescription. Always monitor your teen's time online, set limits and rules about which sites are okay to visit, and check Web site histories.
If you suspect a loved one is abusing depressants, look for warning signs, including slurred speech, sleepiness, moodiness, forgetfulness, or disorientation. Examples of depressants include Xanax and Valium.

Grandparents' House
Grandparents may be another source of prescription drugs for teens or young adults. In fact, 10 percent of teens say they took drugs from friends or relatives without asking. Talk to your extended family about your concerns and ask them to safeguard their medications.

Despite what most parents think, teens and young adults value their parent's guidance. Parents have the most powerful influence on their kids when it comes to drugs. When parents set and enforce the rules-their kids are less likely to engage in risky behaviors. BE THAT PARENT---monitor your prescription drugs and help save a life.