Prescription medications need to be treated as what they really are – controlled substances. This has become especially important now that millions of Americans take drugs every day for a myriad of health conditions. It is a simple truth – prescription medications fill kitchen cupboards, medicine cabinets, and even women’s purses in all areas of the country. Instead of treating these substances nonchalantly, more care needs to be taken to not abuse them in any way.
At the college where I teach, we have undertaken a campaign to educate students and faculty alike about the importance of refusing to abuse prescription drugs. I have coordinated educational displays, and I am currently spearheading a pledge campaign on the campus. Why? Because all people need to realize the dangers that prescription drugs pose.
First, one should never take prescription medication meant for another person. What is prescribed for one may, in fact, harm the other. Sadly, a teen in a community close to the college recently died as a result of taking another person’s prescription drugs. This brings the issue to light, yet the loss of this young life certainly could have been prevented.
In addition, prescription drugs need to be stored in a secure location. Many experts even suggest storing certain medications in lock boxes. While this may seem extreme, it is worth thinking about, as prescription drug abuse continues to rise across the nation. No one wants to imagine his or her child (or grandchild) stealing prescription drugs from the home, but it happens – more often than one might imagine. And in cases where a person may be suffering from cancer, pain medications are stolen by visitors at an alarming rate.
Finally, in most cases, one should not consume alcohol while taking prescription medications. This is true for certain antibiotics, and also anti-depressants. This is because the interaction between the alcohol and the ingredients in the medicine can have negative side effects. For example, if one is on an antidepressant and chooses to drink on New Year’s Eve, the consequences could be severe – even blackouts can result.
In an effort to prevent abuse and misuse of prescription drugs, one must understand that taking medications involves a certain amount of responsibility. Never take drugs prescribed to someone else, don’t sell prescription drugs, don’t drink alcohol with certain medicines, and take the time to store drugs in a secure location. This way you can refuse to abuse.
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