June is National Safety Month, an excellent time to learn more about safety issues such as prescription painkiller abuse. According to the National Health Information Center, prescription painkiller overdoses are a growing problem in the United States, especially among women. About 18 women die every day from a prescription painkiller overdose— more than four times higher than in 1999.
- Watch the California State Board of Pharmacy’s video which warns of the dangers of prescription drug abuse.
- Check the expiration date on your medicines.
- Keep track of your medications, safely dispose of unwanted medications.
- Don’t purchase or use any controlled prescription drugs obtained from illegal websites. They could be counterfeit or may not contain the correct ingredients. They may even be toxic.
- Get help if you or someone you love is abusing prescription pain medications.
Visit these sites for more information:
California State Board of Pharmacy
Information on prescription drug abuse prevention and treatment for teens, students, parents and educators.
The Partnership for a Drug-Free America
Comprehensive information, resources and tips from experts and other parents; opportunities to connect and share experiences with other families.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Provides information, statistics and articles on improving the quality and availability of drug and alcohol addiction treatment.
SAMHSA’s National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI) 1-877-SAMHSA7
Part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: A resource for federal government agency publications dealing with alcohol and drug use prevention and addiction treatment.
SAMHSA’s Center on Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT)
1-800-662-HELP
Part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Toll-free treatment referral hotline provides callers with information and listings of treatment and recovery services for alcohol and drug problems.
