Prevention Tips

Be The Solution

The good news - there are steps you can take to help prevent prescription drug abuse:

Safeguard All Drugs at Home
Monitor quantities and control access. Take note of how many pills are in a bottle or pill packet, and keep track of refills.

Set Clear Rules
Make sure the teens in your home understand your rules about drug use, including not sharing medicine and always following the medical provider's advice and dosages.

Be a Role Model
Be a good role model by following these same rules with your own medicines.

Properly Dispose of Drugs
Properly conceal and dispose of old or unused drugs.

Get Friends and Family Involved
Ask friends and family to safeguard their prescription drugs as well.

Talk About the Dangers
Talk to teens and young adults about the dangers of prescription and over-the-counter drugs. These are powerful drugs that, when abused, can be just as dangerous as street drugs.