Be sure your medicine cabinet is safe:  prescription drug abuse is a growing problem across Oakland County.

Before guests come to your house, double check to be sure your medicine cabinet is safe.   Place prescriptions and over-the-counter medications in a supervised location or locked in a place where only responsible adults have access.  

Reports from Oakland County addiction treatment centers, emergency medical services, and our own youth, tell us:  Abuse of prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications is a dangerous and deadly problem.  While most of us use prescriptions and medications to treat illnesses and disorders, there is a growing trend of those who misuse these medications in harmful ways. 

How can you  Celebrate With Care? 1

1. Safeguard all drugs at home.  Take note of how many pills are in a bottle or pill packet, and keep track of refills.
2. Set clear rules for teens about all drug use, including not sharing medicine and always following the medical provider’s advice and dosages.
3. Be a good role model by following these same rules with your own medicines.
4. Properly conceal and dispose of old or unused medicines.

1. Do not flush medications or pour them down a sink or drain. 
2. Keep medication in its original container.  Before disposal you may remove all identifying information (prescription label) from the medication container.
3. If you are disposing liquid medications add table salt, flour, charcoal or mustard to make a pungent, unsightly mixture that discourages anyone from eating it.
4. If medication is in a solid form, crush it or add water to dissolve it.  Add kitty litter, sawdust, coffee grounds or any material that mixes with the medication.
5. Place it in a plastic garbage bag, seal the bag and put it in the trash.

1. Ask friends and family to safeguard their prescription drugs as well.

  Celebrate safe holidays – and enjoy!

1 From www.TheAntiDrug.com.