Health & Fitness
In response...
The Task Force's support for Rick Green's piece "My Teenage is a Drug Addict".
Even as rain turned to wet, unexpected October snow, Clinton residents continued to trickle into the community room at the Police Department to turn in their prescription and over-the-counter medications for safe disposal on the last Saturday of the month. There were 38 drop-offs total, which means 38 fewer medicine cabinets that can function as drug sources for young people and adults looking to get high (in addition to the 100+ from last April's collection). I think I speak on behalf of not only the Task Force but also the Clinton Police, the CT River Area Health District, and families in our community in expressing huge thanks to those who took the time to go through their old meds and braved the elements to dispose of them properly.
By now many of us have read stirring, heartfelt piece written by Clinton dad Rick Green about his son’s addiction to pills and how that battle has impacted his family. Our hearts are with them as they continue to struggle with this issue, and we wish Rick's son luck on his journey to sobriety. This is only one of countless examples from across the nation of how prescription drug misuse is growing, and how it is disrupting lives. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in a 2009 survey nearly 1 in 12 high school seniors reported non-medical use of Vicodin[1]. Almost 60% of seniors who misused pain meds reported getting them from a friend or relative[2], another point Mr. Green made in his article. These facts should act as a reminder to adults that all medications must be closely monitored and used only as directed and only by the intended patient.
If you were unable to make it to the Medication Take-Back on October 29th you can still safely dispose of unwanted, expired and unneeded meds at home. Simply mix the pills with an unpalatable substance (such as kitty litter) in a coffee can or plastic bag. Seal the container tightly with duct tape and throw it in your household trash. Dispose of pill bottles separately after pulling off the labels from the bottle (Note: the FDA says there are some medicines that must be flushed down the toilet; though all others should not be. Consult the label or your pharmacist to find out if your prescriptions are one of them). Parents and grandparents should also take inventory of the medications that they have in their homes. The medicine cabinet inventory sheet (courtesy of “Operation Medicine Drop”) posted with this blog is a great way to do that. Taking a weekly, or even daily, inventory allows adults to see if there are pills missing from supplies that should not be, especially if there is suspicion of prescription drug misuse in a household. If that is the case, contact 2-1-1 to be put in contact with a treatment center or other agency that can help.
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One of the most important lessons to be taken from the Green family’s story is that action is everything. Adults, especially parents, have a strong influence on the choices that young people make. Parents must be active in monitoring and securing medications and in talking to their kids about the dangers of all aspects of drug abuse. Prescription medications often lead to a false sense of security – thoughts of “if they’re prescribed by a doctor they must be safe.” This attitude should be readjusted with knowledge of drug interactions and body chemistry – medications prescribed for one person do not necessarily work for another and can have detrimental effects, especially when mixed with alcohol and other drugs. Other adults – coaches, bosses, teachers, mentors – must actively and intentionally reinforce these messages in all areas of a young person’s life.
The Task Force is here as a resource to all adults in Clinton. Together we can support and empower our young people to help them safely navigate the world we live in. Each of us is a brick and together we make a protective wall between young people and risky behaviors. Visit the Task Force online (firstselectmanstaskforce.org or facebook.com/clintontaskforce) or leave a comment here if you have questions, concerns or thoughts about this important topic.
