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
• 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:
drug-abuse
The Generation Rx Initiative:
rx
Drug Free Action Alliance Ohio:
