By Lorrie Ross
Staff Writer
One in five young adults has misused a prescription drug, according to StopMedicineAbuse.org. In addition, many small children have been poisoned by ingesting medicines which can look like candy or other goodies to them.
As part of National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month in October, local prevention coalition People of Clay CARE encourages everyone to keep prescription medicines and other medications out of sight. The group will have free lockboxes and medication disposal pouches available from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, in downtown Hayesville in front of the Clay County Progress office.
Even if you live alone, keeping medicines on a coffee table or kitchen counter can be an invitation to someone looking for medications. Whether someone happens to see medicine bottles through a window, or while making a delivery to your house, the information about your openly stored medicines can spread quickly. With children or other vulnerable people in the house, it is a good idea to lock up medicines, diabetes needles, vape devices or anything which can be dangerous. Always monitor the medications in your home, both the kind and quantities.
In addition, too many Americans have expired or other unused medicines on-hand. Old medicines lose potency and effectiveness, but a dose prescribed for one person is often not the appropriate dosage for someone else. Most people who misuse prescription drugs get them from family, friends, and acquaintances. Therefore, unused medications should be properly disposed of in a way that does not harm the water system or the environment in any way.
Here is another fact: one in 27 teens has used over-the-counter cough medicine to get high from the active ingredient dextromethorphan (DXM). Get more facts by joining the Facebook page of People of Clay CARE-Coalition Allies for Recovery and Education. The 501c3 non-profit organization is a community coalition whose mission is to advocate for a healthier, safer community and reduce substance use disorder by offering education to the schools and all citizens about prevention, resilience and responsible choices related to alcohol, tobacco, vaping, prescription drugs and other substances; and to be an ally for those in recovery, as well as those seeking recovery.