National Addictions Awareness Week was Nov. 14 to 20, and this year Alberta Health Services focused on the abuse of prescription medications. 

While the week is over, the message is an important one to remember year-round. Unused medication can pose a risk to others. AHS used addiction awareness week to highlight the abuse of non-prescribed medications in teens, and to encourage families to dispose of their unused, expired or pet medications properly. 

Tiffany Toussaint, an addictions councillor with AHS, says families need to be aware of the dangers unused medications can pose. A common perception is that teens abuse alcohol found in the home, but Toussaint said medications found laying around can be abused as well. 

According to a study done by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 56 per cent of teens received medications free from a friend or relative, compared to four per cent from a drug dealer. 

A disturbing trend is emerging in Canada, where teens bring whatever medications they can find in their homes, throw everything into a bowl and mix it all together. They then take a mystery concoction of drugs. The trend is called a “pharm-party” or “trail mix party”.

“It’s such a huge danger,” said Toussaint, who added that there is no evidence that Jasper youth have engaged in the dangerous activity.

The top four substances that are commonly abused are alcohol, marijuana, non-prescription use of prescription pain relievers and tobacco. Common prescription drugs abused are pain relievers such as Tylenol #3, codeine, percocet, demerol and percodan. Other drugs that are often misused are ritalin and other ADHD drugs, and inhalers. 

Parents with children who need ADHD and other drugs should utilize the information available from their pharmacist.

“(Your) pharmacist is your go-to person to find out the ins and outs of your medication,” Toussaint said, adding that it’s also important for seniors to make sure their medications are up to date. 

AHS has been attending Jasper’s elementary schools to educate students in Grade 4 about taking medications properly. 

“We start really young,” Toussaint said. 

Educating youth is a way to be open and honest with children. Toussaint said parents can model proper use of medication in their homes, and let children know why it is unsafe to take medications not prescribed to them. Establishing rules and boundaries around the use of alcohol and drugs is also important. 

Parents should also educate themselves on signs of prescription drug abuse, and teach their children that prescription drugs are beneficial when used properly. Signs of prescription drug abuse include fatigue, red or glazed eyes, repeated health complaints, sudden mood changes, personality changes, lack of interest in hobbies or activities, excessive energy, sleepiness or avoiding sleep, sweating, loss of appetite, forgetfulness, clumsiness, secretiveness and withdrawing from family, missing prescriptions, empty cough and cold medication bottles and additional filled prescriptions on pharmacy records.

Toussaint said it’s important to remember that illegal drugs are not the only substances that are abused. Many can be found right in your own home. 

Medications in Jasper can be taken to the Rexall pharmacy, where drop-off bags are located. During addiction awareness week, people who dropped off medications were entered into a draw for a locking medicine cabinet.  

When dropping off medications, tear off the label or black it out with a permanent marker.