Crime & Safety
Parents Told to Talk to Kids About Prescription Drug Abuse; Medication Take-Back Day Is Saturday
Sheriff's Department officials discuss the growing problem at Aliso Viejo City Hall. Return drugs to police station for safe disposal.
The City of Aliso Viejo held a short presentation at Wednesday about the abuse and misuse of prescription drugs.
Deputy Darren Braham of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and Crime Prevention Specialist Margo Beauchamp engaged parents and the community in a discussion about being aware of the drug trends in Orange County.
An intimate setting of only 10 people, mainly women and concerned mothers, made up the crowd. Braham went through a list of illegal substances and how teens today are frequently selling and abusing prescription drugs.
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He educated parents and guardians of the seriousness behind every pill, the causes and effects, what teens are using them for, how to look for symptoms, where teens are getting them from and how to prevent it. He encouraged parents and guardians to talk with their teens and take this issue seriously.
Some tips for parents and guardians:
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- Talk with your teens. Ask them questions and let them know you were once a teenager and understand.
- Look for symptoms of drug abuse or use such as, behavior change, a drop in grades, excessive sweating, always thirsty and mood swings.
- Pay attention if they constantly ask for money or have a lot of cash handy.
- Secure and keep track of your prescription medication. Secure them in a safe or some place they're not easily accessible.
Wednesday’s presentation was to promote National Prescription Medication Take Back Day on April 28. Between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., residents can bring unwanted, unused and expired prescription medication to the Aliso Viejo Police Station at 11 Journey. It is free and discrete with drive-thru access. This event will be held rain or shine throughout the nation to dispose unwanted prescription medication the safe and correct way -- not down the drains or toilets.
According to the Office of Diversion Control, in 2011 the Drug Enforcement Administration collected more than 377,086 pounds of unwanted or expired prescription medication. There were 5,327 take-back sites throughout the nation. The DEA hopes to see an increase this year.
Look online for more information, or call 714-647-4133 for local drop-off locations to dispose unwanted prescription medication.