October is National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month.

As per stopmedicineabuse.org, roughly one out of three teenagers knows someone who has abused over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicine to get high.  And, dextromethorphan (DXM) is a safe and effective ingredient found in many OTC cough medicines, but approximately one in 20 teens reports abusing excessive amounts of DXM to get high.

Locally, 2011 CHKS data shows 95% of CV and Clark ninth graders and 91% of 11th graders in both schools have never taken a prescription pain killer. As for OTC medicines, 84% of CV ninth graders and 85% of Clark never misused cough/cold medicines and 87% of CV’s 11th graders and 80% of Clark’s never have. GUSD will administer the CA Healthy Kids Survey again this year.

To shine light on prescription (Rx) and OTC medicine abuse:

1) Two “Adventures in Parenting” talks at the Y. On Oct. 8: Glendale police officer Joe Allen, will speak on current trends and on Oct. 15 Lisa Vartanian, PhD, MFT, will speak on myths and realities. Joe is a nationally recognized narcotic officer; his talk will frighten and enlighten! Lisa’s expertise is chemical dependency; she teaches at East L.A. Community College and is in private practice. She’ll give good information and advice.  Both are GUSD parents.   Adventures in Parenting is on Tuesdays, at the Y, 1930 Foothill Blvd. from 7:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., FBCLA co-sponsored.

2) Clean out your medicine cabinets!  Our next Take Back is Saturday, October 26, from 10 – 2, locations tbd, during Red Ribbon Week!  Again we support the DEA and partner with Glendale PD, CV Sheriff’s Station, the Elks, and Glendale Community College PD.  Anonymously dispose of unused, unwanted, & expired medicines.  No sharps!  Of course, the CV Sheriff’s Station has 24/7 disposal.

According to generationon.org, “Youth who volunteer just one hour a week are 50% less likely to abuse drugs or alcohol, to use to cigarettes, or to engage in destructive behavior.”  If your high school-aged child wants to volunteer her/his time working on this issue, there’s the next CV Youth Alliance meeting on Friday, 10/18 from 5-6 at the Sheriff’s Station.  For more information: text (818) 903-0661.

Thank you!

  Suzy JACOBS