Untitled 4Teenagers can be hard to live with, and in today’s world, parents have to worry about more than just teenage angst. They need to worry about prescription drug abuse.

To help parents, teens and adults in the community learn more about prescription drug abuse, including how to prevent it and warning signs, Family and Youth Initiatives and Families of Addicts will present an information program at the New Carlisle Public Library Jan. 30 at 4:30 p.m.

“It’s a free informational program on the dangers of prescription drug abuse,” said Leslie Nurton of FYI. “The program is for anyone who is interesting in learning more about the risks of prescription drug abuse.”

According to Nurton, prescription drug abuse in now the No. 1 cause of death in America. It is also closely tied with heroin use.

The presentation will cover how to properly deal with prescription drugs so they don’t get into the wrong hands. It is important to dispose of drugs properly – either at a drop off location or crushed up and mixed up with undesirable material, such as sand or kitty litter. Nurton also said that prescription drugs need to be in a secure location.

 “Seventy percent of the drugs are coming directly from family and friends,” Nurton said. “They are going into homes where prescription drugs are found and taking them and giving them out.”

The program will also cover warning signs of prescription drug abuse and what resources are available for people who become addicted or have a family member who becomes addicted.

On opiates, like Oxycotin and Vicodin, people can become depressed, have low blood pressure, be confused, sweat, have confusion and can have pinpoint pupils. On stimulants, like Ritalin, people can become agitated, irritable and have high blood pressure.

Families of Addicts provides information on resources and treatments available for addicts and their families. For more information, visit www.foafamilies.org.

Families of Addicts meets the 2nd and 4th Saturday from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in New Carlisle.

The program is part of the Generation Rx presentation designed by the Cardinal Health Foundation of The Ohio State College of Pharmacy.

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