Three Keys to Prevention

The three main points when educating parents about prescription drug misuse are the following:

Communicate with kids – Remember that children whose parents talk with them about the dangers of drugs and alcohol are 50 percent less likely to use those substances. Parents need to engage in “intentional conversation” and take advantage of teachable moments whenever something about drugs or alcohol is mentioned, for instance, on the news, TV or in a movie.

“Take the moment to broach the topic with your child,” she says. Remind them that non-medical abuse of a prescription drug is unsafe and let them know your expectations are that they will refrain from such activities. Try to listen, not lecture, and validate their feelings.

It’s also a good idea to have a prevention talk and role play with your child about how he can say no to someone—usually someone they know, perhaps well—who offers a pill or a drink.

“It’s overwhelmingly their friends who are going to be offering it,” “not the stranger in a trench coat on the corner.”

Tell your child to be assertive, let him know he has the right to say “no” and then prepare him for how he can say it. You might also consider drawing up a no-use drug policy for the family, which might say that no one will use illegal substances and no one underage age will consume alcohol. Have everyone in the family sign the contract, and then revisit the policy every six months or so to see if everyone’s staying on track.

“Through all of this, you’re teaching problem-solving skills that will keep them in good stead when you’re not around.”

Safeguard them from improper use – Keep all medicines and alcohol out of reach of children and be aware of the quantity you have.

“It’s just a matter of being responsible with something that is potentially dangerous if misused. It’s hard to stay on top of what kids will try, so it’s just really good to keep it all out of their reach and stay on top of what [amount] you have.”

Consider getting a lockbox; units are available for refrigerator storage, for mounting on a wall, and come in a variety of sizes.

Proper disposal – To avoid contaminating the environment, never flush any unused medications down the toilet or a sink drain. Ask your pharmacy if they have a take-back program, or check with your town or city to see if there are similar take-back programs or household hazardous waste programs, often one-day events, in place.

If you must dispose of a pill with your residential refuse, crush it first and then mix it with used coffee grounds, egg shells or kitty litter to make render it unpalatable and essentially useless.

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