Prescription Drug Abuse

Prescription drug use has been on the rise over the past several decades. Many young adults experiment with prescription drugs, often believing that this is a safer alternative to other illicit drugs. This assumption is false. Prescription drug use can rapidly develop into emotional and physical dependence as well as addiction. Second to marijuana prescription drugs are now the most common illicit drug used by young adults to get high. Misuse can lead to addiction, and even overdose deaths. Some people have an increased genetic risk of getting addicted to medications but environmental factors such as economic level, lack of employment and pressure from peers also have a significant impact. The definition of abuse of prescription drugs is using

They are more likely to have difficulties in many areas of their life including problems with family, friends or coworkers. People who abuse prescription drugs are more likely to steal the drugs from family or friends who have been prescribed the medications. It is important for parents to discard any and all unused, expired or unwanted prescription medications in order to avoid the drugs getting into the wrong hands. Local law enforcement agencies have designated locations where people can safely dispose of drugs. These drug-disposal sites are called “Safe Drug-Drop Off” locations. There are twenty of these locations within Los Angeles. Individuals are able to anonymously surrender any unused or unwanted prescription medications, illegal drugs and syringes. If this isn’t a feasible option and the drugs need to be disposed of immediately, the FDA has an established list of high-risk drugs that can be flushed down the toilet as a last resort. Schools, doctors’ offices, and local pharmacies should give information about prescription drug abuse to adolescents and their parents. Such information should address the dangers of prescription drug abuse; hotlines and online resources; where to seek treatment; and strategies for parents to use when talking with their children about prescription drug

The event is generally organized and facilitated by school staff, but should include community representatives such as parents, physicians and nurses, pharmacists, law enforcement officials, educators, school board members, local media representatives, and adolescents. The objective of this is for participants to learn about the issue from a variety of perspectives, share their experiences, discuss strategies for preventing prescription drug abuse, and explore how various sectors of the community can collaborate to prevent