Lock Your Meds BE AWARE. DON'T SHARE.

Your Home Medicine Cabinet: Does it look like this?

80% U.S. adults use Rx, OTC, or dietary supplements. 5 out of 6 people 65+ take at least one prescription. Over 30% of adults take 5 or more different medications. 92% of multiple Rx users are 50+. FACTS:

Misuse versus Abuse MISUSE: The use of medication for a medical purpose other than as directed or indicated, whether willful or unintentional, and whether harm results or not. ABUSE: The intentional self- administration of a medication for a nonmedical purpose, such as "getting high."

Prescription drug abuse is the fastest-growing drug problem in the U.S. Some people, particularly teens, believe these substances are safer than illicit drugs because they are prescribed by a health care professional and sold behind the counter.

Because prescription drugs are legal, they are easily accessible, often from a home medicine cabinet.

Drugs of Choice for Youth: Marijuana Prescription drugs Ecstasy Methamphetamine Every day 2500 teens abuse a Rx drug for the first time. (National Council on Patient Information and Education)

Teens and Their Attitudes (SAMSHA National Survey on Drug Use & Health) 1 in 5 teens report abusing Rx drugs to get high (over 4.5 million) 31% believe there's "nothing wrong" with using Rx drugs with no prescription 2 in 5 teens believe that Rx drugs are "much safer" than illegal drugs Nearly 3 in 10 teens believe Rx pain relievers are not addictive

Dangers of Rx Drug Abuse Among teenagers, 7 of the top 10 abused substances are pharmaceuticals. Between , treatment admissions for Rx pain relievers increased more than 400%. Between , ER visits involving non- medical pain relievers use increased 111%.

The New Party Drugs

PHARMING A survey of teens by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America found that: 1 in 5 teens has tried Vicodin, a powerful and addictive opioid pain reliever. 1 in 10 has tried OxyContin, another prescription opioid. 1 in 11 has admitted to getting high on cough medicine.

Prescription Drug Abuse According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, pain relievers are the most widely diverted and abused Rx medications. According to the DEA, controlled pain relievers, tranquilizers, and sedatives are abused primarily by teens (12 to 17) and young adults (18 to 25). These Rx drugs include: Codeine Oxycodone Hydrocodone Fentanyl Morphine

Find out as much as you can. Learn and share the facts about prescription drug and over-the-counter drug abuse in your community. Share the facts about the legal consequences of drugs.

Do You Know These Rx Facts? o You cannot predict the effect that a Rx drug can have on someone. o Abusing or misusing Rx drugs can lead to addiction, impairment, or even death. o Addiction and dependency can be treated, but it is a long and hard process. o It is far better not to start. o There are also legal consequences.

It is up to us to learn the facts and become aware. It is up to us to take preventative steps to protect our grandkids, families, and caregivers.

Take Preventative Steps Remove drugs from your medicine cabinet: Hide them. Lock them up. Take them out of your house.

Take Preventative Steps Safeguard all medicines that have to remain at home by: Monitoring quantities. Controlling access.

Take Preventative Steps Take inventory: Write down the names and amounts of medications you currently have. Regularly check to see if anything is missing. Don't share your medications.

Take Preventative Steps Warn your grandchildren, family members, and caregivers that taking prescription or OTC drugs without a health care provider's supervision can be just as dangerous and potentially lethal as taking street drugs.

Proper disposal of old, expired, or unused medicines

Proper Disposal of Rx Drugs Take your prescription drugs out of their original containers. Mix drugs with an undesirable substance, such as coffee grounds or kitty litter. Put the mixture into a disposable container with a lid, such as an empty margarine tub or a sealable bag.

Proper Disposal of Rx Drugs Conceal or remove any personal information, including Rx number, on the empty containers by covering with black permanent marker or duct tape or by scratching it off. Place the sealed container with the mixture and the empty drug containers in the trash.

Proper Disposal of Rx Drugs DO NOT flush prescription drugs down the toilet or drain unless the label or accompanying patient information specifically instructs you to do so. For information on drugs that should be flushed, visit the FDA website.

DRUG DISPOSAL PROGRAMS Community Drug Take-Back Community Drug Take-Back Programs Programs Household Hazardous Waste Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events Collection Events

Nationwide Rx Drug Take-Back Day 2,992 State/Local law enforcement agencies netted more than 121 TONS of medication!!

Clark County (OH) Sheriff's Office

Allen, Texas Police Department

Cars lined up in Allen, Texas to drop off prescription drugs at a collection site.

The Time to Act Is Now! Lock Your Meds BE AWARE. DON'T SHARE.

You are the key to your grandchild's, family member’s, or caregiver’s drug-free future!

For More Information: National Sheriffs' Association National Association of Triads, Inc. National Family Partnership