Email from the Ashley County DFC Director, Janie Carter:
In an earlier email, I mentioned that October is National Youth Substance Prevention Awareness Month. and National Prescription Take Back Day is Saturday, October 28. I have also learned that in addition to a myriad of other emphases, October is also National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month and National Depression/Mental Health Awareness Month. The co-occurrence of mental illness and addiction are obviously connected.
On the National Medicine Abuse Awareness, I have heard a good bit about the cough syrup and other OTC medicine being abused in our area, but had not seen as much explanation as was delivered in a message we received this morning. There are lots of resources on the website below, including social media posts that our youth would benefit from. Of course, parents, grandparents and educators need the awareness as well.
http://www.preventmedabuse.org/
Also attached is a Parents Guide to Preventing Teen Cough Medicine Abuse
En español: PREVENCIÓN DEL ABUSO DE MEDICAMENTOS para la tos de venta libre en adolescentes
Have a good week.
Janie