Prescription Drugs Leading By Example

Why focus on prescription drugs? Research shows that more deaths are now occurring each year from accidental drug overdose than from car accidents. Someone in the US dies EVERY 15 MINUTES from an accidental overdose. And nearly half of the drug overdose deaths are due to prescription drugs.  Parents are powerful influencers when it comes to our children’s attitudes and behaviors regarding alcohol, tobacco and the use of other drugs. Having ongoing conversations and sharing information on the dangers of substance use/abuse with our children is fundamental. It is also vitally important to make clear our expectations for them not to drink underage, smoke or use drugs. But it is not just what we say that matters. It is also what we DO. The behavioral choices our children see us make has the greatest impact on the lifestyle choices they make surrounding substances. When it comes to the use of prescription drugs, what are your children learning from you? Do you role model respect for prescription drugs by locking up and monitoring your medicines, as encouraged by experts? Do you properly dispose of unused and unwanted medications? Have you made it clear, by example, that sharing prescription medications with others is dangerous and not okay? If so, you are doing an incredible job, and we encourage you to keep up the great work! If not, it is important to remember that while prescription drugs have the ability to improve and save lives, they also have the potential to harm, and that they can be fatal if used improperly or by an unintended person. Role modeling the above behavioral choices are key in promoting family wellness and teaching our children respect for potentially harmful medications. Another way to RESPECT the Rx is to ask your health care provider or pharmacist specific questions about your prescription medications, in order to avoid unintended harmful effects. The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy came up with the acronymRESPECT, as a way to help you remember those questions: R.  Reason: Why is this medication being prescribed for me? E.  Explain Usage: Should I take this medication regularly or as needed? What      restrictions are there with food/alcohol/other medications? S.  Symptoms: When is it appropriate for me to take this medication (e.g., on a scale of      1-10 for pain severity)? P.  Practitioners: Inform your doctor if you are seeing other healthcare providers and      which pharmacy you use (you should only use one pharmacy) E.  Expected Effects: What effects can I expect from taking this medication? What      precautions do I need to take while driving, operating machinery, etc.? C.  Concerns with Controlled Substances: Is there addiction potential with my      medication? T.  Time to Stop: When and how should I stop taking my medication? How should I      store and dispose of it when I am done? If the opportunity is there, take your son or daughter with you to your next doctor’s appointment, allowing him/her to observe you using this guide. If your child is prescribed a medication, similar questions should also be asked during his/her doctor visit. You and your child will not only obtain the detailed information you need, but the importance of RESPECTing the Rx will be reinforced. One of the most powerful skills youth possess is their ability to observe. One of the most powerful opportunities we, as parents possess, is our opportunity to positively influence our children who are paying close attention to our lifestyle choices. Click here for a printable version of the RESPECT the Rx Guide. For more information about prescription medication safety, please visithttp://pharmacy.osu.edu/outreach/generation-rx-initiative. Source: The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy: Generation Rx – RESPECT the Rx.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Prescription Drug Overdose in the United States: Fact Sheet

Why do Teens Use Drugs?

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TIP: Parents and caregivers have the opportunity to guide their teen in making positive decisions about drug and alcohol use. Talk to your kids about drugs.

The teen years are often a time to explore and learn more about themselves as they approach adulthood. Often, this involves experimenting and testing their boundaries. The desire to do something new or risky is a normal part of teen development.
Teens who perceive little risk in using drugs are more likely to use drugs. Teens may also use drugs or alcohol to:

• Relieve boredom
• Feel good
• Forget their troubles and relax
• Satisfy their curiosity
• Ease their pain
• Feel grown up
• Show their independence
• Belong to a specific group

What are the Risk Factors and Protective Factors for Drug Use?
Many factors influence a child’s likelihood to use illegal substances or develop a substance abuse disorder. Effective drug prevention focuses on reducing the risk factors and strengthening the protective factors that are most closely related to substance abuse.

Risk factors are circumstances or events that increase a child’s use and abuse of drugs. The more risk factors present, the more likely a child may be to use drugs and develop problems. Risk factors for drug use include:

• Low grades or failure in school
• Victim of bullying or cyberbullying
• Low self esteem
• Permissive parenting
• Parent or older sibling drug/alcohol use
• Living in a community with a high tolerance for smoking, drinking, or drug use among youth
• Attending a school without strict rules for tobacco, alcohol, or drugs and inconsistent enforcement for breaking those rules
• Belief that there is little risk in using a drug.

Protective Factors
Protective factors are those characteristics that can reduce a person’s risk for substance abuse or addiction. Protective factors that may decrease the risk of drug use include:

• Strong bond with a parent or caregiver
• High self esteem
• Parent or caregiver who talks regularly with their child about drugs
• Active in faith-based organizations, school, athletic, or community activities
• Spending time around positive role models
• Living in a community that offers youths activities where drugs and alcohol are not tolerated
• Attending a school with an effective alcohol and drug education program and a non-tolerance policy for alcohol and drugs
• Belief that using drugs may be harmful or risky

As a parent you can control many of the risk and protective factors in your home. Remember that parents and caregivers are the most important role models in children’s lives. For more information see Growing up Drug Free: A Parent’s Guide to Prevention

Source: O’Connell, M.E., Boat, T., & Warner, K.E. (Eds.). (2009) Preventing mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders among young people: Progress and possibilities. National Research Council and Institute of Medicine of the National Academies. Washington, D.C.: The National Academies Press. Last Updated: Saturday, January 24, 2015