Dispose unneeded drugs

Utah doesn't think of itself as a drug-abusing state, but it is. According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, Utahns abuse prescription drugs at an alarming rate. Teenagers are some of the worst abusers.

Where do they obtain these drugs? At home, in their parents' medicine cabinets, from the homes of friends or relatives. These drugs are free, readily accessible and many teens believe the myth that they provide a "safe" high. Some teens even engage in "pharm parties," where party guests bring prescription drugs, the pills are placed in a bowl and participants randomly select pills to take.

Nationwide, every day some 2,500 youths age 12-17 abuse a prescription drug for the first time, which can lead to addiction. Between 1995 and 2005, admissions to drug treatment centers for prescription pain killer abuse increased more than 300 percent.

Unlike many drugs, there is a relatively simple means to choke off the supply of prescription drugs that are ripe for abuse. Unneeded drugs should be properly disposed.

The Office of National Drug Control Policy recommends mixing prescription drugs with undesirable substances such as used coffee grounds or cat box filler and placing them in impermeanable, nondescript containers such as empty cans or sealable bags and disposing them in trash recepticals.

Another option is to flush these drugs down the toilet but only if accompanying drug information specifically instructs the patient to do so. Two such drugs are Percocet and fentanyl buccal tablets or the fentanyl patch.

Some communities have pharmaceutical take-back programs that encourage the public to bring unused drugs to a central location for proper disposal.

The point is that parents, relatives and friends should not unwittingly become suppliers for people who abuse prescription drugs. When used as prescribed, painkillers can provid needed relief to people who have sustained serious injuries, undergone surgery or have certain illnesses. When these drugs are abused, they can be highly addictive. They should be considered every bit as dangerous as street drugs.

Scott Burns, deputy director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, also urges parents to discuss the risks of prescription drugs with their teens. Research suggests that teens tend to take to heart parent's disapproval of drug use. It may be the most important prevention activity of all.