Prescription Drug Abuse

1
Prescription Drug Abuse

• Source
• DrugFreeNorthernMichigan.com
• (except the last slide thats BASES
  contribution)

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Its Real. Its Growing. And, its Dangerous
Prescription drugs account for the second most
commonly abused category of drugs other than
alcohol, behind marijuana and ahead of cocaine,
heroin, methamphetamine, and other drugs.
3
Northern Michigan is not Immune

• Since 2000, over 500 deaths related to substance
  abuse have been recorded in northern Michigan.
  The majority of these deaths are related to
  prescription drugs. (Source Michigan Department
  of Community Health)

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Why so Prevalent?

• Easy Access
• Misconception that PDs are safer than illicit
  drugs
• Availability/proliference

5
The Good News
You can make a difference!
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Prevention Tips

• Dont share PDs
• Keep PDs in a safe, secure place
• Properly dispose of PDs
• Talk to family members, friends and neighbors

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Dont Share Prescription Drugs

• If it wasnt prescribed for you, its not safe
• Set an example by not sharing with family members
  or others
• Set clear rules

8
Safe Storage and Monitoring

• Store in a locked cabinet or other secure place
• Monitor quantities and control access
• Keep track of refills
• Ask friends and family to safeguard their PDs

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Proper Disposal

• Properly dispose of old or unused drugs.
• Yellow Jug Old Drugs Program partners with
  pharmacies in communities to collect unused or
  unwanted drugs.
• Do not flush!
• Take advantage of local collection programs.
• Go to www.greatlakescleanwater.org for more
  information.

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Proper Disposal Local Options

• Charlevoix County Sheriffs Department
• Yellow Jug Old Drug Participants
• Boyne City Glens Pharmacy
• East Jordan East Jordan Family Pharmacy
• Charlevoix Central Drug Store

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Help Spread the Word

• Its real, its growing and its dangerousin
  your community
• PDs can be just as dangerous as illicit drugs
• Talk to teens about the dangers
• Report suspicious activity

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More Information
DrugFreeNorthernMichigan.com
13
How to identify a meth lab ?humor is still good
medicine!