Preventing Prescription Drug Misuse

Help to Prevent Prescription Drug Misuse

Talk to Your Kids About the Risks of Misusing Prescription Drugs

Risks: The misuse of opioids (a class of drugs that includes pain relievers available by prescription) can have lasting effects. When opioids are misused, they can have harmful effects on the brain, like slowed breathing. Slowed breathing can then lead to short-and long-term health effects, including coma, brain damage, and death.

Opioids can be addictive. Opioids are among the most addictive drugs. Over time, opioids can change the brain, which leads to addiction. 

Opioid use can affect every area of your teen’s life. Using drugs early in life can lead to poor grades and bad relationships with friends and family. Opioid use can alter judgment and make it more likely your teen could make risky decisions like having unprotected sex or driving under the influence

Tips for talking to kids: Talking with Your Kids About Opioids

Store Medications Safely

Lock it up: In a drawer or a cabinet that can be locked, or a lock box that is out of reach of children and guests.

Monitor your medicine: Know how much you’ve used, how much remains, and keep a list of all the medications in the house. If some of your medication is missing, you’ll know right away.

Remind others: Make sure other family members are securing their medicine before your kids visit them.

Dispose of Medications Safely

Disposing of unneeded or expired medications using a safe disposal box or a take back event is the best way to ensure they won’t be misused or stolen. Linn County has several ongoing medication drop box locations in Albany, Lebanon and Sweet Home.  Local police departments also sponsor take back days. Check for the disposal site nearest you at Med Project and Take Meds Seriously Oregon.  

Please don't flush medications: Medication that is flushed down the toilet can enter the environment, potentially harming humans and wildlife while contaminating our water.