Every day, 2,500 youth abuse a prescription painkiller for the first time. Often, their drug of choice is something left innocently by their parent in the medicine cabinet of their own home.
If you have unused or expired prescription drugs, LHHS senior Stephanie Eyocko has a plan to help you dispose of them in a way that is safe for your teens, your elderly parents and the environment. Stephanie is a member of Texas Leadership Forum, a nonprofit which reaches out to North Texas high school students and teaches them about government, public policy and civic responsibility.
TLF is participating in national Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, October 29 from 10am to 2pm, in partnership with Safer Dallas Better Dallas, the Dallas Police Department, the Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, the Dallas Area Drug Prevention Partnership and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Stephanie encourages everyone in LH to take prescription drugs you won’t be using to the Northeast Police substation at 9915 E. Northwest Highway, where they will be disposed of properly. She and other TLF students have been challenged to collect 50 pounds of drugs at sites all over the metroplex, in an effort to keep them from causing harm.
Youths aged 12-17 abuse prescription drugs more than any illicit drug except marijuana – more than cocaine, heroine and methamphetamine combined. Teens are especially attracted to these drugs because they are accessible, free or inexpensive and seem less risky than street drugs.
For more info, you can email Stephanie here or email adult sponsor Debbie Horres here.
