Counterfeit/Prescription Medications

It is risky to misuse prescription medications or obtain medications that are not provided by a doctor or other medical professional. This is a main cause of preventable overdoses.

In 2020, more than 16.1 million people age 12+ misused prescription drugs—25% of them were young people between the ages of 12-25.

Teens and young adults who misuse medications face higher risks from counterfeit drugs. Many of these counterfeit drugs contain
harmful substances like fentanyl or methamphetamine and are the cause of many overdoses.

All these reasons are why education around action steps to stay safe is a priority for STEPS.

Data on Southington

0%
Southington teens who report that parents and families do not discuss prescription drugs with them much or at all
0%
Students who report that it would be easy to obtain prescription drugs
0%
of youth in Southington believe that using prescription drugs that are not prescribed to them is not risky.

STEPS Prevention Efforts

  • Collected more than 10,500+ pounds of unwanted or expired medications at the Medication Drop Box located at Southington Police Department. The Drop Box was established in 2013.

  • Hosted bi-annual Prescription Drug Take Back Events since 2013 in partnership with the Southington Police and Water Departments and pharmacy students.

  • Public Education campaigns informing residents of the Medication Drop Box
  • Lock It or Drop It Media Campaign
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1. 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2020-nsduh-annual-national-report

Resources:
https://www.youthinkyouknowct.org/
https://www.dea.gov/onepill

STEPS Counterfeit/Prescription Medications Prevention

Resources on Counterfeit/Prescription Medications

https://www.youthinkyouknowct.org/

https://www.dea.gov/onepill 

https://www.drugfreect.org/prescription-drugs/