Grandparents: You May Be A Drug Supplier This Summer, Without Even Knowing It

Studies show that more teens start using drugs during the summer months – while unsupervised and with more free time.

With the end of the school year approaching, children look forward to a long break – and a lot of time at home alone. When teenagers are released from school for long break periods such as summer, the risk of substance abuse increases.

• 70% of teens who abuse Rx drugs get them from family and friends.
• 68% of households do not properly secure their Rx medications.
• Studies show that unmonitored kids are four times more likely to engage in substance abuse.
  The distressed employment market makes it harder for teens to find summer jobs, leading to more boredom, restlessness and free time.
• A new study surveyed 2,500 high schoolers and reported that one in four admitted to abusing Rx drugs.

TIPS FOR GRANDPARENTS:
Safeguard all medicines by monitoring quantities and controlling access. Remove drugs from your medicine cabinet and lock them up.

Warn youngsters that prescription drugs can be just as dangerous, addictive, and lethal as street drugs. Studies show that teens dangerously view prescription drugs as “safer” to abuse than illicit drugs.

Properly dispose of old or expired medicines in the trash. Hide or mix them with cat litter or coffee grounds before throwing them away.

Grandparents can learn more about preventing prescription drug abuse at home this summer by downloading the MEDucation Kit from Lock Your Meds. This resource provides a good dose of knowledge about prescription drug abuse among adolescents. The comprehensive kit teaches grandparents lessons about the problems of abuse and the solutions available for families. Download the MEDucation kit here:

http://www.lockyourmeds.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/12pgMEDKit6_25_102219.pdf