KEEPING CHILDREN SAFE
Child-resistant doesn’t mean child-proof. Secure your prescription and over-the-counter medications, including medical cannabis, out-of-reach from young children as well as teens. Child-resistant packaging helps but is no guarantee of safety.
- Properly dispose of expired and unused medications
- Use special care with medications that look like candy
- Call your local Police Department for safe, confidential drop-off bins
LOCK UP AND SECURE YOUR MEDICATIONS
Most teenagers who abuse prescription drugs are given them for free by a friend or relative.
Don’t make it easy. Lock up your meds.
- Keep track of pill quantities
- Properly dispose of unused medications
- Block access to online pharmacies and drug sources
- Participate in county prescription drug take-back days
- Learn the facts on Rx drug abuse
- Talk about it
How are prescription drugs abused?
- Taking medication that has been prescribed for somebody else
- Taking a drug in a way other than prescribed
- Taking a medication to get high
How can you keep your home safe?
Start with creating a routine for keeping your family medications secure and safe from children.
Tips for disposal:
- Take drugs out of prescription bottle
- Mix drugs with unwanted substance like kitty litter or coffee grounds
- Put mixture into a sealed container
- Remove any identifying information on the bottle
- Put sealed container into the trash
Drug Take Back Programs
Local drug take back programs are the most convenient, cost-effective and secure way to dispose of unwanted and expired medicines.
MEDICINE CABINET ACCESS PSA
Adapted from Ventura County Behavioral Health / www.venturacountyresponds.org