Protect Your Child From Prescription Drug Use and Abuse
Edited by Debbie, Charmed, Nate Pepperell, Doug Collins
A girl named Angie heard a conversation between her parents that her brother was taking a medicine that controlled his appetite. She wanted to lose weight, so she began sneaking and taking her brother's pills. So they would not find out, she asked a friend to replace the pills who was using the same medication. Some kids reason that if the drugs are in the house and prescribed from a doctor, what the harm?
Prescribed medicine from the doctor can improve our health, and even save lives. But each medication is suited for the individual taking it, and it isn't safe for everyone. A drug can have harmful effects if it is mixed with other medicines too. When a person abuses certain medication, they can have heart failure or seizures.
Another danger that results is getting addicted to drugs. Some people feel that by taking them they will feel better. But taking them can make matters worse. It can cause more depression and ruin their health, and they may not be able to function in life as they once did. Some people will do anything to get a high. They sniff cleaning fluids, fingernail polish, gasoline, and other things. These fumes from these products go into the bloodstream and can cause a quick reaction to the one inhaling them. People also get addicted to sleeping pills and take high doses of them resulting in confusion, stomach pain, and other ill symptoms.
The proper way to take prescription medicine is to use it according to how your physician instructs you to. You may experience side effects from some medications, and then you would need to call right away and let them know. They can change what you are taking to something else that will be better for you. As far as over the counter products, follow the instructions on the label for the proper dosage. Do not go over that amount.
Guidelines For Safe Use
- 1Follow directions carefully.
- 2Don't change doses without letting your doctor know first.
- 3Don't stop taking your medicine on your own.
- 4Don't crush or break pills unless you are told to do so.
- 5Be sure you know if the drug will affect your driving and other activities.
- 6Find out how the drug may interact with alcohol, or your other medicine.
- 7If you have a history of drug abuse, let your physician know.
- 8Do not use other people's medicines.
Some people may want to take other medications that their friend's take, or take it in the wrong way. For instance, some pills have to be swallowed whole, so that the active ingredient is let into the system at a slow rate. Abusers will mess up the process by crushing and chewing pills, and sniffing them. This is how people can get a high, but it could be the first step towards addiction. Sometimes someone may be taking a prescribed medicine and may be taking it according to the doctor's directions, but can feel they are becoming addicted to it. If this happens, they should inform him right away.
Why do many kids and adults turn to drugs? People are stressed out trying to make ends meet in this world, or they may have trouble in their family life, and may feel there is no way out of the troubles that they experience. If you are a parent, than you have the right to worry about your children and drugs because they are becoming more common among teens. More children are sneaking into the medicine cabinets. Some have said taking them numbs their depression or anxiety. Some kids at 12 years old have admitted to being addicted to drugs. They get them from friends, and buy them from online websites. What are some things you can do to protect your child?
Steps To Take
- 1Inform them about drugs and the dangers of taking them.
- 2Keep your medications in a safe place, and lock the cabinet if necessary.
- 3Watch for your child's internet and credit card activity.
- 4Be on the lookout for any changes in his or hers friends, appearance or attitude or any change in their school grades.
WARNING SIGNS OF TEENS AT RISK
- 1A family history of alcohol and substance abuse
If a Child Has a Drug Problem
If you think your child may have a drug problem what can you do? As a parent sometimes the first reaction is to get angry and punish our child. Will that make them want to talk to you about the problem and help them? No. That will just upset them more when they need your love and kindness at this time. Sit down calmly and talk about your concerns to them. You want to find out if there is a problem, and what the reasons are for it. Sometimes the reasons can be any of the following:
- 1Maybe you help your child find good companions who are known to be wholesome people who you can invite over.Bad associates or peer pressure Making new friends who do bad things can have a negative influence on your children.
- 2Do you feel you drive your children to work too hard? Do you try to set reasonable goals for them, and try to help them meet them? Do you sit down on a regular basis and find time to communicate with your child and see how their day went, or if they are experiencing any problems they need help with? If a young ones emotional needs are not met at home, they might find somewhere else to go to find it.Stress Some kids have too much pressure put upon them by parents to succeed in today's world.
- 3This can make them feel more secure and loved. Set wholesome guidelines for your children, and remember to set a good example yourself for them. It is always good to be consistent and firm with them when needed.Lack of behavioral boundaries Children appreciate clear guidelines or rules.
Tips
- If your child has a drug problem, talk with a health professional for advice.
- Pray together and don't forget your spiritual needs.
- Give your child attention and the best love you possibly can.
Questions and Answers
Substance use and abuse?
Substance use is often referred to as using medication drugs in order to help you to feel better than you are currently feeling. Drugs are used in a wide category in this situation but once you start to use drugs more than instructed you then go into what is know as substance abuse.
If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.
