Prevent Teen Drug Abuse - WCMH: News, Weather, and Sports for Columbus, Ohio
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Decreased or obsessive interest in school work Fatigue, red or glazed eyes and repeated health complaints Sudden mood changes, including irritability, negative attitude, personality changes and general lack of interest in extracurricular activities An extreme change in groups of friends or hangout locations Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Other signs may include secretiveness, loss of interest in personal appearance, borrowing money or having extra cash, slurred speech, sweating, sleepiness or avoiding sleep, loss of appetite or flushed skin. Self-Assessment Form: Click Here |
Most Commonly Abused? Teens most commonly abuse pain relievers like oxycontin and vicodin, stimulants like Ritalin and adderall, and sedatives and tranquilizers like valium and xanax. Getting Help Parents: 1-855-DRUGFREE (1-855-378-4373) |
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What Can Parents Do? Lock your medicine cabinet or keep medicines that could potentially be abused in a less accessible place. Avoid stockpiling medicines. Keep track of how much is in each bottle or container in your medicine cabinet. Monitor your child's Internet usage. Watch for suspicious Web sites and e-mails that promote the abuse of prescription medicines. Never mix different medicines in the same bottle. Disposal Of Medicine Take unused, unneeded or expired prescription drugs out of their original containers and throw them in the trash. Mix prescription drugs with an undesirable substance like used coffee grounds or kitty litter. Put them in impermeable, non-descript containers like empty cans or sealable bags. Flush medication down the toilet only if the label or accompanying patient information specifically instructs doing so. Take advantage of community pharmaceutical take-back programs or community solid waste programs. |
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Teens may have a carefree attitude about prescription drug abuse and be unaware of the serious and potentially life-threatening risks. It's important to identify why more and more teens are abusing prescription drugs. |
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It's not just the medicine cabinet. There are many places in your home that are important to safeguard your family from prescription drug abuse. |
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