A Bitter Pill
Prescription Drug Abuse Spikes
in Kentucky
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By M.E. Kobes

Among the many fears parents face as their children grow older and more independent is drug abuse.

And especially in Kentucky where our state is known as the prescription drug abuse capital of the world.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reports that nearly 7 million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs, noting that number is “more than the number who are abusing cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, ecstasy and inhalants combined.”

The DEA also reports that “opioid painkillers now cause more overdose deaths than cocaine and heroin combined.”

In Kentucky last year, at least 485 people died from prescription drug overdoses, according to the state’s Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
Records indicate that the drugs most commonly found in those deaths were methadone, the painkillers oxycodone and hydrocodone, alprazolam (Xanax), morphine, diazepam (Valium) and fentanyl.

Teens see prescription drug abuse as safer than illegal narcotics because a doctor prescribes them. As parents, we know prescription drug abuse is not safe and can be fatal.

Where are teens getting the prescription drugs?

Often, they get them from their own homes. Other sources are friends, grandparents’ houses, at school or from people off the street.

In order to combat this growing epidemic, it is important that we talk to our children about this growing problem.

Plus, here are suggestions to help parents prevent children from abusing prescription drugs.

Lock ‘Em Up
Keep your prescriptions locked in a safe and secure location in your home. Some teens are not afraid to try any prescribed medications just once even if it does not give them a high effect.

Keep Count
Regularly count your pills to make sure they are not being stolen.

Use The Trash
When you are through with a medication, dispose of it properly and safely.

Get Smart
Educate yourself and your children about the dangers of taking medications improperly.

Make Rules
Set clear guidelines and consequences about prescription drugs.

Tell Grandma
Make sure you talk to grandparents about locking up their medications when children are visiting.

As parents, we bear the responsibility of teaching our children how to stay away from drugs.
Educating our children about prescription drug abuse now seems to be the most important conversation on drugs we can have with them.

M.E. Kobes is a Prevention Specialist at Bluegrass Prevention Center. For more information on prescription drugs, call 225-3296 or e-mail M.E. Kobes at mekobes@bluegrass.org.
drugs, please contact Bluegrass Prevention Center at (859) 225-3296.