(New Philadelphia, Ohio) – Be a part of the solution. Parents have a strong influence in shaping the attitudes and understanding kids have of prescription drug abuse.
Be a positive role model! Help your child or teen avoid prescription drug misuse.
-
Talk about medication misuse with your children
- Know the facts about drug abuse
- Kids that learn about drug risks from their parents are nearly 50% less likely to use drugs than other kids
- Don’t just talk; let them ask questions in a 2-way dialogue
-
Be involved in your child’s day-to-day activities and lives
WARNING SIGNS
Signs and Symptoms of Abuse
-
Fatigue, red or glazed eyes, and repeated health complaints
-
Sudden mood changes, including irritability, negative attitude, personality changes, disrupted sleeping or eating patterns
-
Secretiveness and withdrawing from family
-
Hanging out with a different crowd
-
Less interest in school and hobbies
-
Missing prescription medicines from your medicine cabinet
Signs and Symptoms of Overdose
-
Dilated pupils
-
Unsteady walking
-
Chest pain
-
Severe difficulty breathing, shallow breathing, or complete cessation of breath
-
Gurgling sounds that indicate the person’s airway is blocked
-
Blue lips or fingers
-
Nausea or vomiting
-
Abnormally high body temperature
-
Violent or aggressive behavior
-
Disorientation or confusion
-
Paranoia
-
Agitation
-
Convulsions or tremors
-
Seizures
-
Unresponsiveness
-
Unconsciousness