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Teens from Jefferson County report sharing prescriptions happens, but is less common than other forms of substance misuse (Youth Town Hall 2024). In Jefferson County, 7% of high schoolers report having ever used a prescription drug not prescribed to them (Healthy Kids Colorado Survey 2023).​

Some Youth Have Easy Access to Medicine Not Prescribed to Them

According to the 2023 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey, 21% of Jefferson County high schoolers feel it would be easy to get prescription pain medicine not prescribed to them.

Do not store medications you are not using. Many medications are not safe to put in the trash or down the drain. Learn more about the Colorado Household Medication and Sharps Takeback program to see how and where to dispose of medications that are no longer needed.

Video: This is What Happens to Your Brain on Opioids

Opioids are part of a drug class that includes the illegal drug heroin and powerful pain relievers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, fentanyl, and many others. In 2015, more than 33,000 people died from overdoses involving opioids. Every day in the United States more than 1,000 people are treated in emergency departments for not using prescription opioids as directed. 

Video is four minutes and thirty seven seconds long (4:37).

Open Ended Questions about Medicine Misuse

How to Start a Conversation About Medicine Misuse

Talking is the key, even though there is no perfect way to talk with your teen about alcohol, cannabis, prescription medications, and other drugs. Being honest and involved has a big influence on your teen, even if it seems like they are not listening.

First, find an opening. Some ideas are: 

• Anytime your teen gets a prescription, have a conversation about prescription medications, the need to keep the medications in a secure place, and the danger of sharing medication with someone who has not been given a prescription for it. 

Ask a direct question that can't be answered with a simple "yes" or "no."

For example:

• What would you do if a friend wanted to try some of your prescription meds?
• Why do you think people share their study drugs?
• Why do you think so many people are experiencing pain killer addiction?
• What do you think would prevent teens from taking other people’s prescriptions?
• What have you heard about Narcan (a medicine to prevent opioid overdose)?
• How would you react if you were offered a pill at a party?

The best way to show your teen you care?

Be there.

Have a talk with your teen.

Learn more at https://jeffcoctc.care/twelve-talks/medicine-misuse-2/

Educational Resource: Not Prescribed

Rise Above Colorado's New! Not Prescribed is a science-based, trauma-informed resource that empowers teens with science and stories to understand the risks of misusing prescription drugs and the skills to rise above. This resource can be self paced and directly accessed online from home.

Content Objectives: 

• Types of prescription drugs
• Counterfeit pills & contaminants
• Appropriate use & safe storage
• Reasons some teens misuse
• Healthy to harmful coping skills
• The developing brain
• Refusal skills
• Youth in action

Explore the resource and share with your teen today.