MEDIA CENTER
VCkidsFYI: Commit to safely disposing of your prescription drugs. Get the facts on Rx and OTC drug abuse
VCkidsFYI
Most teenagers who abuse prescription drugs are given them for free by a friend or relative.
The U.S. is in the midst of an opioid overdose epidemic. Opioids, including prescription opioid pain relievers and heroin, killed more than 28,000 people in 2014, more than any year on record. At least half of all opioid overdose deaths involve a prescription opioid.
"When you look at the staggering statistics in terms of lives lost, productivity impacted, costs to communities, but most importantly, cost to families from this epidemic of opioids abuse - it has to be something that is right up there at the top of our radar screen.”
- President Obama
How Are Prescription Drugs Abused?
- Taking someone else’s medication that has been prescribed for somebody else.
- Taking a drug in a way other than prescribed.
- Taking a medication to get high.
> Read more at DrugFacts: Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications, National Institute on Drug Abuse, November 2015
What You Can Do
- Safely dispose your prescription drugs. See local disposal bin locations.
- Learn the facts on Rx drug abuse.
- Teach your kids that Rx drugs are not safe to abuse.
- Know the signs of drug use.
- Monitor and secure medications.
- Attend your local Take-Back day events.
- Talk about it early and often.
Featured Resource
> Download Rx Disposal Handout
If you're concerned about signs of drug use with your child, call (805) 981-9200 to talk with a professional at Ventura County Behavioral Health, Alcohol & Drug Programs, Youth Services. Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
