According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), an estimated 54 million people have used medications for non-medical reasons at least once in their lifetime. Drug misuse varies among age, gender, and other factors, but a likely cause of this is easy access. If you are concerned about prescription drug misuse in your home, there are several preventative measures that you can take:
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- Ask for non-addictive medications if you need to go to the doctor. In doing this, you are letting your doctor know that you do not wish to take anything that could risk addiction for you or your family. Most of the time, doctors can prescribe a non-addictive medication that is much safer for you to use. If your doctor still prescribes you addictive medication, do not fulfill the prescription, report this and seek out another doctor.
- Stay aware of dose amounts and frequency listed on bottles. Ask your doctor questions about when and how much of the medication you should be taking and follow those rules strictly.
- Safely dispose of unused or expired medications. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), states to mixed unused medications with an unpalatable substance such as dirt or kitty litter and place it in a plastic bag. Cross out any identifying information, including the name of the medication.
- Educate yourself and your family on the dangers of abusing prescription medications. The more your family learns about addiction and the mental and physical consequences of substance abuse, the more prepared they can be to avoid it.
- Keep an eye on medications. Regularly check your medicine cabinet to ensure that your medications are still there – if you notice a bottle missing or pills are missing, it could be a sign that one of your family members is abusing drugs.
By actively learning about prescription drug misuse, you are protecting yourself and your family to the best of your extent. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, seek help from a reputable treatment center immediately. Recovery is possible.
Hidden within the seclusion of a lush estate, the residential homes of Avalon Malibu sit, offering the privacy and premiere clinical treatment you want for your loved one. Our treatment programs offer both mental health and substance use disorder care. As one of California’s only primary certified treatment centers, our ability to provide holistic, personalized, co-occurring care is unparalleled. Call us today for information: 888-958-7511.
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