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7/1/2010 - News, news, more news, very important stuff, read more!
HOME > INITIATIVES
Like the name implies, these refer to any drugs a person could commonly purchase in a pharmacy or be prescribed for by a doctor. Unfortunately, this is one of the most common methods of abuse after marijuana by teens. Many teens think that since these drugs are mass produced for legitimate use they must be safe.
Every day 2,500 youth ages 12-17 try some sort of pain medication to get high for the first time in the U.S. Any drug that is used not to deal with a specific pain can lead to serious and even deadly health risks. Depending on the type of drug, the impact can be anything from permanent system damage, heart failure, fatal seizures, impact motor skills, judgment, or ability to learn. (Office of National Drug Control Policy)
There is little data about Santee based abuse with over-the-counter or prescription drug abuse. A 2007 school survey found that 7% of 7th graders had tried such a drug at least once to get high. (California Healthy Kids Survey, 2007). Like alcohol and inhalants, over-the-counter and prescription drugs are common in households, often used for legitimate reasons, and commonly not seen as threats.
More information on prescription drugs and how to prevent abuse in your home can be found here.
- The Santee Solutions Coalition has worked with partnering prevention organizations and local law enforcement to promote Prescription Drug Take Back Events where old and unused prescriptions can be returned safely, with no questions asked.
- The Santee Sheriff Station, located at 8811 Cuyamaca Street, has a prescription drug take back box in the lobby. Prescription drugs may be returned at that location Monday through Friday during normal business hours. The phone number for the Santee Sheriff Station is (619) 956-4000
- Used and unused needles may not be returned at these drug take back boxes. They may be dropped off at the Lakeside Fire Station, 12365 Parkside Street, Lakeside, CA (619)390-2350.