As we enter the New Year and new decade, I feel re-vitalized and re-committed to decreasing the amount of drugs available to youth use and abuse. 

Cortland Area Communities That Care Coalition focuses on youth and how we can assist them to make good choices that set them up to have a safe school and life experience.

Studies tell us over and over how youths are involved in drugs in various ways.

The following information comes from the Journal Adolescent Health, August 3, 2009 titled Prescription Medication Sharing Among Adolescents: prevelances, risks, and outcomes.  A survey of five hundred ninety two adolescents ages 12 to 17 found that 20% admitted to “lending” a prescription drug to a friend, and a similar percentage said they were the ones doing the borrowing.  The most commonly shared drugs were allergy drugs, Oxycodone and DarvocetN (pain relievers), antibiotics, acne medications, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety medications.

Most of those who did the borrowing did so instead of seeing a health care provider.  Of those who did see a provider, 40% did not mention that they were taking borrowed medications.

It is also important for youths to see a provider so there can be an age-appropriate discussion regarding a variety of subjects, i.e. substance abuse, depression and/or anxiety, alcohol, drugs, smoking. 

These are but a few issues that are discussed in Anticipatory Guidance/Health Education.  This is also a good way for a dialogue to be opened between the parent and youth.

The drug take-back program is aimed at all people of all ages. 

We encourage you to clean out your old, unused, expired medications and either destroy them by mixing them with dirt, kitty litter, coffee grounds or some other not-so-tasty substance; placing them in a plastic bag taped shut and discarding in your garbage.

This will go a long way toward decreasing the medications available to get in the hands of youth.

Jean Shields is the patient services coordinator for the Family Health Network.

                                                                                                                                                Patient Services Coordinator

                                                                                                                                                Family Health Network