Do you know what "Pharming Parties" are? This is a dangerous trend where teens come together and bring medicines from their parents and grandparents medicine cabinets, and they take these medications for fun. You can read more about it from WKBN-TV in the article, "Columbiana County survey shows more kids using prescription drugs"
Alarming Facts About Prescription Drug Abuse in Teens
- 1 in 4 Teens report Misued or Abused A Prescription Drug At Least Once In Their Lifetime
- 2 in 3 Teens who report Abuse of Prescription Pain killers are getting from Friends, Family, and Acquaintances.
- Nearly 80% of people who Inject Heroin start by Abusing Prescription Drugs
What can the community to do to turn back this trend? First of all, all of us have to learn more about the problem, especially with kids and adolescents. I encourage people to visit the website of the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids at this link, which has great resources. On that website, they outline three steps to help combat the problem: talk with your kids, take action to address medicine abuse (like locking up your prescription medication and participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day), and get help for a loved one.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
- Saturday, April 28, 2018
- 10 am - 2pm
- Dispose of Unwanted Capsules or Tablets
- Various Drop Off Points In The Area
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of the disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. It is coming up on April 28, 2018 from 10AM to 2PM. Check out their website at this link for more information, including finding a collection site close to you.
