October 1, 2013 8:00 am - October 31, 2013 5:00 pm
Cost:
none
Contact:
Phone
580-355-5246
Email:
tmacias@wmpn.org

Additional Information

At one point or another, we’ve all used prescription drugs or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to alleviate an illness – whether it’s to relieve pain or curb a cough. Unfortunately, too many young people and adults are abusing these drugs for a quick high.

Nationally, prescription drugs are the second most abused category of drugs after marijuana, with one in five young adults reporting that they have abused a prescription drug. In addition, the 2011 Monitoring the Future Survey found that 5 percent of teens have abused over-the-counter cough medicines containing the active ingredient dextromethorphan to get high over the past year. When abused in extreme excess—sometimes as much as 25 to 50 times
the recommended dose—dextromethorphan can produce dangerous side effects, especially when combined with alcohol, illicit drugs, or certain prescription drugs.

Trust for America’s Health, a non-profit organization, recently released a report that states Oklahoma ranks 5th in the Nation in drug overdose deaths. From 1999-2010, there were 91 opioid analgesic overdose deaths in Comanche County. In 2010 there were 154 non-fatal opioid analgesic overdoses in Comanche County.

The Lawton-Fort Sill Community Coalition Prescription Drug Committee, has been working with businesses in Comanche County to promote proper storage of prescription medications. Presentations are also available to educate and equip parents, teens and concerned citizens to take action to protect their families and communities.

To request a presentation, contact Taressa Macias, 355-5246 x 100 or tmacias@wmpn.org.