MEDICATIONS
What is Medication Misuse? [1]
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Taking medications not prescribed to you, even if you're doing so for the medication's intended purpose (e.g., to ease pain)
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Using medications in a way that was not prescribed, such as taking too many pills at one time or combining pills with alcohol or other drugs
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Taking medications for the sole purpose of feeling good or getting high
Drug Type | Opioids | Depressants | Stimulants |
|---|---|---|---|
Causes of Medication Misuse: [2]
Teens and adults misuse medications for many reasons, such as:
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To feel good or get high
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To relax or relieve tension
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To reduce appetite or increase alertness
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To experiment with the mental effects of the substance
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To maintain an addiction and prevent withdrawal
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To be accepted by peers or to be social
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To try to improve concentration and academic or work performance
Did you know? [1, 3]
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Every day, more than 40 people die from an opioid overdose.
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Medications (both prescribed and over-the-counter) are the most commonly misused substances by Americans age 14 and older, after marijuana, alcohol, and tobacco cigarettes.
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It is illegal in Minnesota to possess prescription medication without a lawful prescription as well as selling prescription medications, whether the original prescription is yours or not. In doing so, you could be charged with a felony.
Safe Storage of Medications:
Store all medications in their original containers and in a place that children and visitors cannot easily access. Sort through medications annually and properly dispose of outdated and unneeded medications.
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency: Learn how to safely store and dispose of unneeded medications.
Disposing of Medications
Ensure unused or expired medications do not contaminate the environment or get into the wrong hands – Utilize the Medical Disposal Program!
See local drop off areas below and/or print the flyer to educate others.
Household prescription, over-the-counter, and pet medication accepted, including pills, liquids, and lotions.
The following items will not be accepted:
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Institutional items (nursing homes, care centers, clinics, daycares)
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Non-drug items (glucose test meters, blood pressure equipment)
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Sharps or pointed items (needles, syringes, EpiPens, lancets)
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E-cigarettes/vaping devices or materials
Disposing of Sharps or Pointed Items:
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Put sharps in point-first into a puncture-resistant container, like a laundry detergent bottle.
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Tape the lid shut when the container is more than half full.
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Label the container "SHARPS - DO NOT RECYCLE" directly on the front.
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Properly dispose of sharps
Sharps disposal options:
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Use home needle-destruction devices
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Use mail-back disposal programs
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If none of the above options are accessible, you can dispose of your sharps in the trash, only if the above disposal steps are followed.
(Source: MN Pollution Control Agency)
