Behind the Wheel Not only is medication misuse dangerous for a developing brain and body, but it is also responsible for impaired driving crashes and fatalities, too. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 64% of seriously and fatally injured drivers tested at five major trauma centers in 2020 had at least one impairing substance in their system, including opioids, cannabis, alcohol, stimulants, and anti-depressants. Certain drug effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired thinking can lead to vehicle crashes. This is why no one should EVER drive if they have taken any amount of a mind-altering substance, even if it’s a prescribed medication. Help your teens plan an exit strategy so they NEVER take a ride
from someone who they suspect is impaired by alcohol or other drugs. As a parent, you can help keep your child safe from substance abuse by:
Securely storing medications. Knowing what is in your medicine cabinet, keeping medications in a locked, safe place, and properly disposing of them when you’re done using them.
Verbally sharing disapproval of medication abuse.
Kids may think taking prescription drugs are safer than other drugs because they are given by pharmacists or because you have them at home; it is important that they hear from you the risks associated and your disapproval of it.
Talking early, openly, and often. Include OTC medications and prescription drugs in your conversations with your teen and keep the lines of communication open.
Recognizing signs of abuse: • Fatigue or insomnia • Sudden mood changes including irritability, secretiveness, or personality shifts such as lack of interest in a favorite hobby. • Red or glazed eyes, and repeated health complaints. • Decreased or obsessive interest in schoolwork. • Missing prescription medicines
Monitoring their activities. Monitor their use of the internet for illegal online purchases, their social media pages, and any credit card purchases.
Teaching them how to identify signs of impairment. Knowing how to spot signs of drug impairment, which often looks different than alcohol impairment, is a lifesaving skill.
from your medicine cabinet or additional filled prescriptions that you did not order.
51
Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software