Red Ribbon Week (October 23-31), the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the Nation, is a way for people and communities to unite and take a visible stand against drugs. This year’s theme, “It’s Up to Me To Be Drug Free,” reminds us that we each share individual responsibility in creating a drug-free environment.Review the following guidelines for prescription drug abuse prevention and discuss them with family & friends.Lock Your Meds1.Every day, 3,300 more children begin experimenting with prescription drugs.2.Seventy percent of those who have abused pain medication say they get the medication from friends and family.3. Prevent your children from abusing your own medication by securing your meds in places your child cannot access.Take InventoryDownload your Home Medicine Inventory Card on www.nfp.org/lockyourmeds, write down the name and amount of medications you currently have and regularly check to see that nothing is missing.Educate Yourself & Your ChildLearn about the most commonly abused types of prescription medications (pain relievers, sedatives, stimulants and tranquilizers). Then, communicate the dangers to your child regularly; once is not enough.Set Clear Rules & Monitor BehaviorExpress your disapproval of using prescription drugs without a prescription.Monitor your child’s behavior to ensure that the rules are being followed.Pass It OnShare your knowledge, experience and support with the parents of your child’s friends. Together, you can create a tipping point for change and raise safe, healthy and drug-free children.Properly Dispose Of Old & Unused MedicationsFor guidelines on safe and proper disposal of medications, visit:www.nfp.org/safemeddisposalSOURCE: National Family PartnershipCTCADA offers both adolescent intervention and treatment programs. Education, individual counseling, family therapy, group counseling and referral to other resources are all part of a comprehensive effort to prevent or intervene in youth alcohol and drug abuse. Call us at 254-690-4455!Red Ribbon Week (October 23-31), the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the Nation, is a way for people and communities to unite and take a visible stand against drugs. This year’s theme, “It’s Up to Me To Be Drug Free,” reminds us that we each share individual responsibility in creating a drug-free environment.Review the following guidelines for prescription drug abuse prevention and discuss them with family & friends.Lock Your Meds1.Every day, 3,300 more children begin experimenting with prescription drugs.2.Seventy percent of those who have abused pain medication say they get the medication from friends and family.3. Prevent your children from abusing your own medication by securing your meds in places your child cannot access.Take InventoryDownload your Home Medicine Inventory Card on www.nfp.org/lockyourmeds, write down the name and amount of medications you currently have and regularly check to see that nothing is missing.Educate Yourself & Your ChildLearn about the most commonly abused types of prescription medications (pain relievers, sedatives, stimulants and tranquilizers). Then, communicate the dangers to your child regularly; once is not enough.Set Clear Rules & Monitor BehaviorExpress your disapproval of using prescription drugs without a prescription.Monitor your child’s behavior to ensure that the rules are being followed.Pass It OnShare your knowledge, experience and support with the parents of your child’s friends. Together, you can create a tipping point for change and raise safe, healthy and drug-free children.Properly Dispose Of Old & Unused MedicationsFor guidelines on safe and proper disposal of medications, visit:www.nfp.org/safemeddisposalSOURCE: National Family PartnershipCTCADA offers both adolescent intervention and treatment programs. Education, individual counseling, family therapy, group counseling and referral to other resources are all part of a comprehensive effort to prevent or intervene in youth alcohol and drug abuse. Call us at 254-690-4455!