Page 7 - Fall Access 2016

the expert
7
ASK
Angie Gullekson, BS, CPS Public Health Educator
What you should know
about prescription drug
abuse
Older adults use more prescription medications than any other age group. In fact, people age 65+ make up only 13 percent of the population, but account for more than one-third of the total outpatient spending on prescription medications in the United States. Because of this increased use,
older adults are also susceptible
to medication misuse and abuse.
Two to three percent of older adults living at home receive prescriptions for opioid painkillers and the vast majority of them do not develop a drug dependence. However, older adults are often targeted by those seeking medications for non- medical use because of the volume and variety of meds they have in their possession. Being informed is key.
What is prescription drug misuse and
abuse?
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), prescription drug misuse and abuse is the intentional or uninten- tional use of medication without a prescription, in a way other than it
was prescribed, or for the feeling you experience.
What are the signs of prescription drug
misuse or abuse?
Signs of prescription drug misuse and abuse can be difficult to detect in the early stages. Sometimes it may only be discovered after an incident, like a fall or an overdose. Sometimes, in the elderly, shaking hands or confusion may be dismissed as symptoms of aging.
You can help prevent prescription drug
abuse by following these steps:
Monitor
• Keep track of how many pills are in each prescription bottle or pack and refills.
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
• Note: If you need to refill a prescription sooner than usual, this could indicate a problem.
Educate
•Don’t save unused or unneeded medications for future use. This could be dangerous because of interaction with new medications, changes in dosage, or medication expiration.
• If medication is needed to manage pain, talk with your doctor about alternative treatments, like massage therapy.
• Remember: Prescription drug abuse is illegal; this includes sharing.
Dispose
• Safely dispose of medicines to prevent medication abuse and environmental pollution. (Never flush drugs down the toilet.)
• In Oakland County, visit Operation Medicine CabinetTM (www.oaklandsheriff.com) to learn where you can safely dispose of unneeded medications. In other counties, contact your local public health department to learn about their programs.
Secure
• Keep prescription and over-the-counter medications in a secure location, like a locked cabinet or private bathroom, away from children or visitors.
Tips when taking medication
• Always take medications as your doctor directed.
• Never take someone else’s medication or share your meds.
• Do not skip or double up on doses.
• Do not start or stop medications on
your own. Talk to your doctor first!
• Do not drink alcohol with the medicines you take.
• Use one pharmacy to fill your prescriptions.
• Read prescription labels and follow any special instructions. Be aware of any possible side effects or warnings. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• Report any side effects to your doctor, and note them in your medical records.
• Make a list of all the medications you take and how you take them. Carry a copy with you. Once a year, ask your doctor to review your list. Then, update your list and properly dispose of any meds you don’t need.
To learn more about the efforts of the Oakland County Health Division, the Oakland County Prescription Drug Abuse Partnership and their community partners, visit www.oakgov.com/health/partnerships.