Cedarville Magazine, Fall 2013

ROOTED IN CHRIST. IN HIS CHURCH. IN HIS COMMISSION. Announcing the Cedarville University Masterof Ministry Now accepting applications for fall 2014 cedar v i l l e. edu/mmin are considering new laws that would allow this to also occur at local pharmacies. If you don’t have a drop-off opportunity in your community, the Office of Drug Control Policy recommends mixing the medications with noxious materials (e.g., coffee grounds or kitty litter), sealing them in a container, and then placing them in the trash. Engage the church. The local church can serve as a resource for educating and engaging the community on this important topic. Youth groups are great venues for education supported by a local pharmacist. Senior adults can be encouraged tomanage their medications in a secure manner. And, every community has been affected by the tragedy of the epidemic, offering an opportunity for the Church to minister to families who have lost a loved one. Know the signs. Keep your eyes open for the signs of prescription drug misuse or abuse happening in your neighborhood or family (see sidebar). It’s important to note that these are nonspecific (i.e., they may be related to many things other than prescription drug abuse) and the list is not exhaustive; however, several unexplained signs or changes in behavior should raise a flag in your mind. Don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions. It’s better to be safe than sorry. The epidemic of prescription drug abuse came upon us quickly. With little warning, it has become a huge problem with disastrous results for families across the country. Federal and local government agencies, in collaboration with health care providers, law enforcement experts, and social service/behavioral health organizations, have actively engaged in addressing the problem. From legislation to education, much good is being accomplished. But, it’s going to take more. It’s going to take the active involvement of people like you — within your circle of influence—educating one another, getting rid of unneeded medications from your home, and responding to the signs of potential abuse or misuse of medications you witness in those around you. It’s definitely hard work, but a lost life is too high a price to pay. Jeffrey Lewis is Associate Dean and an Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice in Cedarville’s School of Pharmacy. He received his B.S. in pharmacy from Ohio Northern University and his Pharm.D. from the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Lewis has served at Cedarville since 2009 and is a Fellow in the Cedarville University Center for Bioethics. You may contact him at jdlewis@cedarville.edu. • Changes in sleep habits • Changes in personal hygiene • Changes in mood or energy • Sudden decline in school grades • Change in social circle (new friends, uninterested in old friends) • New propensity for lying or making excuses • Unexplained breaks in curfew • Extended time alone in his or her room • Verbally or physically abusive • Stealing • Taking more of a legitimate pain medication than prescribed • Regularly “losing” a legitimate pain medication prescription • Visiting multiple medical providers Know the Signs of Potential Prescription Medication Abuse Additional Reading The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy: whitehouse.gov/ondcp/prescription- drug-abuse The Generation Rx Initiative: pharmacy.osu.edu/outreach/generation- rx Drug Free Action Alliance Ohio: drugfreeactionalliance.org/SOLACE