The topic about mixing illicit, prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs is most commonly found in young adults purposely mixing and older (elderly) adults not intentionally mixing drugs. Prescription and OTC drugs are easily accessible, and some household products are being used because all of these substances can be found in their homes. Young adults use and mix these drugs for the purpose of getting “high”, and experiencing the sign effects or drug interactions. There is a misunderstanding of using or mix these drugs because they believe it’s a safe way to get high.
It has been found that young adults would use any drug or mix illicit, prescription and OTC drugs with the combination of alcohol. Consequences of drug combinations can lead to drug interactions, respiratory failure, damage to organs such as the kidneys, liver, or brain, addiction, over dose, and death.
It is important that parents, caregivers, and nurses take preventive steps by educating themselves, communicating with others, and monitoring their medications at home.
Educate:
Educate yourself about the drugs that are being mixed and abused.
Be aware of signs and symptoms, street terminology, and consequences.
Nurses should educate their patients about any prescription and OTC drugs that they are taking, and use protective measures to prevent this abuse.
Communication:
Communication is important with your child. Educate them about why these substances and actions are harmful.
Listen and learn about peer pressure associated with drug use and mixing. Give them advice and suggestions on how to handle this problem.
Share information with other parents and people that are present in your child’s life such as coaches, teachers, school staff, and counselors.
Nurses, offer helpful tips to parents on how to approach the topic with their child. Suggest things to mention in the conversation.
Monitor:
Observe and monitor medication and products in your home.
Pay attention to the quantity and take inventory.
Keep medication and products out of reach in a secure place.
Handle all medications that your child is on. If medication is needed during school, contact the school officials and take the medication to the nurse office yourself.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2009
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/druguse.htm
California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs, 2009
http://www.adp.cahwnet.gov/youth/prescriptiondrugs.shtml
The Partnership for a Drug-Free America, 2008
http://www.drugfree.org/Portal/DrugIssue/Features/Preventing_Teen_Abuse_of_Prescription_and_Over-the
Why are yound adults assuming that mixing drugs are a safe way to get high?
ReplyDeleteThey are assuming it is "safe" because their parents or someone in their home are taking it. Some might believe that since it is in their home, it is ok to consume. Not realizing it is taken not for the medication's purpose, and there are serious side effects.
ReplyDeleteThere really is not a safe way to get high, or so I would think. I think this post helps lay out a plan on ways people can better communicate and prevent illicit mixing of drugs.
ReplyDeleteYes Katherine, i dont think there is "safe" way to get high. Further into the blog, other posting will go into future detail what products or substances young or even older adults are using to get high.
ReplyDeleteThis is great article, very easy to read and understand. I think the toughest part is to try to reach out to those parents, nurses, caregivers and encourage them to really 'push' the education and communication.
ReplyDeleteWhat would you suggest is an appropriate age to begin discussing these ideas with children?
Angie, a good age to start teaching your kids about drug abuse is early as age 7 or so. In an other blog, the drug "Cheese" has been addicted to 9 years old. Its shocking but true. The earlier the better I think
ReplyDelete