Here's how to do it
Learn the facts:
- 2 out of 3 teens abusing prescription pain meds say they get them from family or friends
- Some teens hand out or sell extra pills of their own, or pills they’ve gotten or stolen from friends or family members
Take steps at home to keep medication out of reach:
- Do a check of your family’s prescriptions: Could any of the prescriptions be addictive or misused?
- Keep prescription pain meds in a spot that only you can get to them. If possible, keep all medicines - both prescription and over-the-counter - in a locked cabinet or other secure place that kids can’t access.
- If your child has a prescription, make sure you hold onto the pill bottle for them.
- Do a regular inventory (e.g., check how many pills are left) of any prescription meds that are in your home.
- Get rid of leftover (unused) prescription drugs – but be sure to do it safely. Know before you throw.
- You can also bring unused prescriptions to Waste Medication Kiosks. Find one in or near your town to safely get rid of your leftover prescriptions.