October is National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month and The Community Prevention Partners (CPP) Coalition wants to insure community members know why it is important to properly monitor, secure and dispose of medications. While the 1980s had a crack epidemic, and the 1990s saw a surge in designer drug use, today’s epidemic is prescription drug abuse. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in April 2012 that the rate of fatal poisonings among 15- to 19-year-olds surged 91 percent between 2000 and 2009.
In 2008, more than 36,000 people died from drug overdoses, and most of these deaths were caused by prescription drugs. These new findings shows that more than 40 people die every day from overdoses involving narcotic pain relievers like hydrocodone (Vicodin), methadone, oxycodone (OxyContin), and Oxymorphone (Opana). The latest reports show that each day 2,500 teens, ages 12 to 17, abuse a pain reliever for the first time. The National Institute for Drug Abuse information states that the stimulant Adderall and the pain reliever Vicodin are among the most commonly abused by teenagers.
Statistics overwhelmingly show that it is very rare for pills to be stolen from pharmacies. The most common location to access pills is the medicine cabinet or they are frequently shared with others. More than three out of four people who misuse prescription painkillers use drugs prescribed for someone else. (2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, SAMHSA). Limit access to prescription medicines in your home by making sure they are kept secure, monitor your prescriptions and dispose of left over medicine.
Free collection of unused or unwanted medications is ongoing throughout the county at dozens of pharmacies, medical clinics, police stations, and household hazardous waste facilities. Sites can be located at www.sharpmedsolutions.org or call County Public Works at (831) 454-2160.
Scotts Valley, Watsonville, and Capitola Police Departments will be hosting National Drug Take Back Day collections on Saturday, October 26th from 10 am – 2 pm