Prescription Drug Abuse

The abuse of prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines is the fastest growing form of substance abuse.

The next prescription drug take back will be held Saturday, July 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bon Secours Watkins Center.

What can you bring?  Expired and unneeded over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, vitamins and even pet medications. Leave medications in original containers. Questions? Call SAFE at 796-7100.

If you can't make the take-back event, there are safe ways for you to dispose of your medications at home. Learn how.

The Chesterfield Police Department, in partnership with SAFE,  has collected over 2800 pounds of medications since take-back events began in 2010.

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A woman with her grandson receives a free medication lockbox at an event. 

 prescription drug abuse

One person brought in this bucket of pills. 

Nationally, prescription drug abuse kills more teens than cocaine, heroin and methamphetamines combined.

The 2010 survey of youth in Chesterfield County revealed that past 30-day use of prescription narcotics by high school seniors was 60 percent above the national average and sedative use was 40 percent above the national average. Tenth grade use of sedatives and prescription narcotics were also above the national averages.

Although the survey did not contain questions about cough medicine abuse, anecdotal data from treatment providers indicates this is a problem among Chesterfield teens as well.

Friends and family are the most common source of prescription drugs misused by youths in the U.S. Around 70 percent of youths who reported misusing prescription stimulants, tranquilizers or sedatives in the past year said that they most recently obtained the medication from friends or family.

What can parents do?
  • Educate yourself
    Learn what types of prescription drugs can be abused. Ask the doctor or pharmacist when you receive a prescription whether it has potential for abuse.
  • Talk with your teen
    Find out what they know about prescription drug or cough medicine abuse. Teens often think that prescription drugs are safer than street drugs, which is not true.
  • Set clear rules
    Tell your teen to never take medications that have not been prescribed for them, share their medications with others or take their own medications in greater quantities than prescribed.