Prescription drug abuse is the intentional use of a medication without a prescription; in a way other than prescribed; or for the feeling it causes. (NIDA)
In the United States one person dies every 19 minutes from prescription drugs. (CDC)
Enough prescription painkillers were prescribed in 2010 to medicate every American adult around-the-clock for a month. (CDC)
12 million Americans abused prescription painkillers in 2009. (CDC)
Prescription painkillers killed nearly 15,000 people in the US in 2008. (CDC) They kill more people than street drugs or motor vehicle accidents.
Pain meds (e.g., Oxycontin) are the most abused prescriptions. Also commonly abused are depressants (e.g., Xanax), stimulants (e.g., Adderall), and over-the-counter meds for cough (e.g., DXM), allergy, sleep, weight-loss and motion sickness. (NIDA)
At least seven Floridians die every day from prescription drugs.
See this Public Service Announcement from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.
Most people who abuse prescriptions get them from family and friends. Act now to protect your family. Ask grandparents and parents of your teens' friends to do the same.
Monitor: Count pills, keep track of refills, and control access.
Secure: Remove medications from medicine cabinet, nightstand and purse; secure well, preferably in a locked cabinet.
Dispose of unused or expired prescription and over-the-counter medicines.
