October is National Substance Abuse Prevention month, a time to raise awareness about the dangers of substance misuse. Educating our community on the importance of preventing substance abuse among young people is vital in ensuring their safety and well-being. It’s essential to recognize how easily kids can access drugs that aren’t prescribed to them, whether it is from their homes, friends, or in the broader community. This accessibility emphasizes the urgent need for proactive measures to protect our youth. Many children and teenagers often encounter medications in their own home environment. Drugs prescribed for legitimate health reasons, like painkillers, opioids, anti-anxiety medications, can be misused when not stored properly. According to a 2023 survey done by Monitoring the Future for the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the NIH reports that “4.6% of eighth graders, 5.1% of 10th graders, and 7.4% of 12th graders reported any illicit drug use other than marijuana in the past year” (National Institute on Drug Abuse). This drug use is closely related to the accessibility of drugs in the home, as “easy availability of alcohol and illegal drugs in the home during adolescence is 1) generally associated with an earlier age of first use of alcohol and illegal drugs; and 2) generally predictive of substance use in young adulthood (average age of 22 years) and in later young adulthood (average age of 29 years)” (Broman, The Availability of Substances in Adolescence: Influences in Emerging Adulthood). Adolescents may not see the danger in experimenting with these drugs. In fact, they might share with friends, underestimating the potential risks. Such behaviors can result in dire outcomes, including addiction and medical emergencies. One effective strategy to prevent unauthorized access and use of medications in the home is through the use of a secure lockbox. Using a secure prescription lockbox, accessible only to the prescribed user, can significantly mitigate the risk for accidental or deliberate misuse. Medications can also be stored in childproof containers, secure drawers, high cabinets, and more. Children in the home should be made aware of the importance of safely storing medications, and should be educated on the dangers of misuse. Encouraging open discussion about drug use early on fosters an environment in which children can ask questions, serving as a proactive measure against substance abuse. Additionally, it’s vital for individuals to only use medications prescribed to them, strictly for their intended purposes. Misusing medications, even those as commonplace as prescribed painkillers, can lead to serious consequences, including addiction. Educating our youth on the importance of responsible medication use is crucial in cultivating a safer community. October 26th is National Drug Take Back Day. Join us on October 26th, from 10 A.M - 2 P.M., at the West Haven Police Station. The West Haven Police Department will be accepting unwanted prescriptions. This is an amazing opportunity for our community to safely dispose of unwanted or expired medications, helping to keep them out of the hands of our youth and off the streets. Proper disposal reduces the risk of accidental overdoses, potential for addiction, and more. Pet prescriptions are accepted as well. Don’t miss the chance to make a difference in our community!