By Staff Reports

The holiday season is a wonderful time of year for families and friends to gather together. However, the increase in social gatherings leads to increased opportunities for young adults to acquire prescription opioids. 

Every day, over 9,000 children and young adults begin experimenting with prescription drugs (NFP, 2021). Over 50% of people who misuse these medications report getting them from friends and relatives, and this includes stealing them from homes. Misusing these drugs can have devastating effects on your loved ones and on your community. 

Out of all deaths among young adults, one in five can be connected to opioids. These deaths are preventable, and there are things that you can do right at home to help combat this epidemic. 

Lock your meds. Securing your medications in a lock box or locked cabinet is one of the best ways to keep your friends and family safe this holiday season. 

For more information and resources, please visit https://lockyourmeds.org/. 

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers a National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).