To protect something, can mean to have some sort of level of security around it. Ask any parent and there is no doubt that they will say that they are the security of their child(ren), providing protection around their lives. But protection can also mean to keep something from something else. That’s where our prevention work comes in!
When it comes to opioid use prevention and prescription (Rx) drug misuse prevention, we always want to encourage our parents to secure any and all current medications in the home. This means storing and locking away medications either in medicine cabinets or personal lock boxes to keep these medications from youth. Securing prescriptions drugs in the home reduces the access that youth have to them, thus, reducing the incidence of Rx drug misuse and abuse. It is one of the easiest way to protect youth from Rx drug misuse, opioid addiction, and any other health consequences that may follow.
Resources
Medication Abuse Prevention: Resource Guide
For Parents, For Teens, For Educators