When asked if they have used any illicit drug (except alcohol, tobacco and over the counter), by 11th and 12th grade 50% of local youth reported yes, and 31% said they had used an illicit drug within the past 30 days. (Source: 2014/2015 NY State Youth Development Survey)
What can parents do?
- Set An Example – Use drugs as the doctor prescribed and intended.
- Connect With Your Kids – Stay involved in their lives through middle school and high school. Talk honestly about prescription and OTC drug abuse. Know the facts and listen to your children’s questions, comments and concerns.
- Stop the Myth – Getting high with prescription and OTC medication is not safer than getting high with illicit street drugs. In fact, it can lead to faster addiction.
- Help Your Child Make Good Decisions – Your child is more likely to be offered drugs by a friend than a stranger, and as early as age 12. Talk with your child. Empower them to make good choices and not be afraid to stand up for what they know is right. Remind your child that a real friend won’t care if he or she makes the right choice.
- Take Action – Inventory your medicine cabinets or anywhere you may store medicines, and monitor the pill quantities and medicine levels in your prescription and OTC drug containers. Put drugs away out of sight. If you currently need medication, put it in a place where you can get to it easily but where your child is unlikely to look. Dispose of unused drugs as soon as possible at your local SCPD precinct drop box. Ask friends and family to safeguard their prescription drugs as well. Make sure your friends and relatives, especially grandparents, know the risks, too.
