TRIBAL PROGRAM NEWS
Lock It All Up!
Limiting Prescription Drug Abuse by Youth
by DeAnna Pearl. A&D Prevention
I was reading a magazine that had
an article on how to better get to know
someone by looking in their bathroom
cabinet. The article went on to state how
easy it would be to do.
They are right, it is easy. If it’s easy
lor a visitor to get access to your meds,
how easy would it be for your child, niece/
nephew, grandchild and cousin to gain
access to them?
in recent years, addictions counsel
ors, police and school personnel have re
ported their concern about an increase in
youth prescription drug abuse. Prescrip
tion drugs can be helpful when used ap
propriately. When not used as intended
or when used by individuals not prescribed the
medication, prescription drugs are harmful.
by not dispensing or limiting prescrip
tions because of the misuse and reselling
of these drugs. The Siletz. Community
Health Clinic's policy states:
"... that patients presenting with
requests for refills or replacement of
controlled substances that are identified
as lost, stolen or misplaced will be docu
mented on the PCC and reviewed by the
provider. Providers may or may not autho
rize a refill. If the medication is reported
as stolen, the patient will be responsible
for filing a police report.”
Why Youth Abuse
Prescription Drugs
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Prescription Drugs and the Law
The Controlled Drugs and Substances
Act states that in some cases, it’s illegal to
possess prescription drugs without a phy
sician s authorization. Obtaining prescrip
tion drugs that contain narcotics without
advising the physician that you have
received a similar prescription within the
last 30 days is called double-doctoring. If
convicted ot this illegal activity, sentenc
ing can include imprisonment.
According to the police in Toledo,
Ore., there has been a doubling and tri
pling of reported prescription drug theft.
Unfortunately, the resale of individual
pills is becoming an easy moneymaker
for youth and adults.
How does this affect the rest of us?
Some medical facilities are cracking
dow n hard on abuse of prescription drugs
use can lead to physical and psychological
dependence. High doses of barbiturates, for
example, can result in death from respira
tory arrest. Mixing prescription drugs with
alcohol can be lethal.
Sadly, prescription drugs also are
being used in combination with over-
the-counter medications as methods to
attempt suicide. According to Oregon
Vital Statistics, while the use of a firearm
(67 percent) is most common, the pre
ferred option by minors in Oregon is by
poisoning with over-the-counter medica
tion such as Advil, Benadryl, ibuprofen,
Motrin and Naproxen.
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Availability - In the last several years,
the number of prescription drugs
available on the street has increased.
There are reports of prescription
drugs being sold in schoolyards and
at recreational facilities, such as skate
parks and youth centers.
Accessibility - Youth are reporting
easy access to a variety of prescrip
tion drugs.
Peer Pressure - The misuse and abuse
of non-prescribed prescription drugs
is becoming more acceptable within
youth circles.
Adult Behavior - Youth model the
behavior and attitudes they observe.
Family Problems - Youth often turn
to substances to cope with stresses in
their family.
Actions We Can Take to Prevent
Prescription Drug Abuse
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As a parent, we can ensure all pre
scription drugs are used and stored
appropriately. Lock them up.
As a community we can inform the
police of any suspicious activity.
As a school, we can educate our
students about the dangers of pre
scription drug abuse. As well, we can
•
establish policies to help eliminate
the buying and selling of prescription
drugs on school property.
As students, we can become aware
of the dangers of prescription drug
misuse and make the use of such
substances unacceptable.
Lock up or find a more secure place to
put prescriptions for safe keeping instead
of a medicine cabinet.
Parents are the No. 1 deterrent of
ATOD use, misuse and abuse. Talk with
your kids about the importance of not
sharing medication or taking medication
without your permission. Know what your
kids are taking and find out how often.
Teach them how to read labels and warn
ings. Warn them to never mix alcohol with
any medication.
If you would like more information
on the effects of prescription drugs on
the brain or how to know if your child is
misusing or abusing drugs, please call me
541-444-8267 or 800-600-5599.
Happy New Year!
Many harmful side effects can occur
when taking non-prescribed drugs. Regular
TLC Attitudes of Gratitude
by Lynn Whitlow
No resolutions from me this year, again. Why waste time and energy then not fol
low through? If I followed through every time I said, "My resolution is to lose weight
this year" I’d be model thin. Think that worked? Not!
I quit that several years ago. Now I make a new commitment each year to make
as many healthy choices for my body as I can and to make my “world" a better place
to be in by giving of myself and my time to causes that will make a difference.
I am committed to organizing my household belongings so they work for me. 1 can do
this in small daily and weekly sessions. Those are "do-able" for me on a consistent basis.
I his year I am going to remember to let people in my life know they are special
and/or appreciated. A kind word or two can go a long way toward making the world
a more positive place - one person at a time.
I he residents at theTLC can always find gratitudes in their daily living. Some they
ha\e verbalized this past month include: “____ is happy to quit smoking," “My dad
is OK.' “Going to pow-wow,” “For my new sponsor - she gives me hope!” “____ is
happy lot family, For cold, crisp winter nights" and “To spend time with my sister
and nephew."
Other gratitudes include: “To be able to see my family during the holidays!” “To
be dean on the holidays! "Thankful for a healthy, happy son!” Plus an appreciation
for home. To feel safe when at home, and “To be home!”
Thank you volunteers for being here most weeks. Alice McCain. Lisa Brown and
Jackie Ashley. You rock! Your commitment to this place is phenomenal.
As the person who stays here when no one else does. 1 appreciate you more than
you can know. You are part of why TLC residents feel safe when they are home.
Thank you to Bill Wheeler for giving us some pointers on operating the power
washer, for those of us who figure things out better from seeing rather than reading
directions that are written for people who already know what they are doing.
I hope each of you has a new year filled with many joys. May your problems be
solvable and your sorrows minimal. Step outside of yourself and do something to make
your world a better place for others.
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Siletz News
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January 2009
SAMHSA grant, discuss the Siletz Tribe's partnership with Lincoln County under
this grant at the CEDARR meeting in December.