Prescription drugs are dangerous (02/19/2009)

To the editor:

Prescription and over-the-counter drug abuse is a growing concern among teens. Nearly one in five teens abuse prescription medications not prescribed to them. Indiana exceeds the national average for teen prescription medicine abuse.

Abusing prescription medication is a common way for otherwise "clean" teens to get high. The term "pharming" is used by teens to describe raiding home medicine cabinets and using the medications in ways other than prescribed. Teens prefer this type of drug use since prescription drugs are inexpensive, easily accessible and easier to hide from parents. Teens believe that these prescription drugs are safer to use than illegal drugs because they are prescribed and, in most cases, legal.

The most commonly abused prescription drugs are: Vicodin, Oxycontin, Ritalin and Wellbutrin. Use of non-prescribed medications can cause heart, liver or kidney damage, central nervous system impairment, mood disorders, physical dependence and even death. Narcotic-related deaths have increased 160 percent since 1999.

It is often difficult for parents to tell if their teen-ager has a drug problems since teen-agers are infamous for oversleeping, being argumentative and pushing boundaries. If you suspect your teen has a problem, look for the following changes: Disruption in patterns of behavior, difficulty sleeping or staying awake, change in eating habits, disengagement from family, new circle of friends, nervousness or paranoia, or poor performance at school.

There area some things parents can do to prevent a drug abuse problem. Dispose of unused medications. Encourage realistic expectations of your child. Talk with your child about the dangers of using drugs. Engage your child in activities that are healthful and fun. Approve of chaperoned parties only. Monitor Internet purchases and activities and monitor financial expenditures.

If you are not a parent of a teen-ager, you can help fight this problem too. Do not share your medications with anyone. Inventory all your medications and know what you have. Keep all medications in a safe place where kids and thieves are less likely to find them. Get rid of medications you no longer need or use. At least once a year, go through your medicine cabinet and take out what you don't use or need. Check with your local pharmacy or health department to see if there is a drug disposal program that will dispose of them in a safe manner. Do not flush your medications. You can be arrested if you use medications that are not prescribed to you, or you give someone else your prescribed medications.

For more information on combating the growing concern with prescription drug abuse, the public is always welcome to attend the Jay County Drug Prevention Coalition. This team of concerned citizens meets the third Monday of each month at East Jay Middle School at 3:30 p.m.

Sincerely,

Sherri Rowles, Jay County Hospital, member, Jay County Drug Prevention Coalition

JCC thanks

To the editor:

The Jay Community Center staff would like to thank WPGW and other local businesses for the 85 tickets to the Jay County Lady Patriots home basketball game on Thursday, Feb. 5. The Girls and Boys clubs attended the historical game as a group wearing their Boys and Girls club t-shirts. They had a great time.

It was awesome that the club was afforded the opportunity to attend thanks to the generosity of WPGW and our community. Special thanks to Laura Baldwin and Eric Butcher, who chaperoned the group.

Congratulations to the Lady Patriots on a great season.

Jack E. Houck,

executive director,

Jay Community Center[[In-content Ad]]