If you’re like most parents in Missouri, you want to do everything in your power to keep your children safe. One way to do that is to talk to them about prescription drug sharing. Many kids don’t realize the dangers of sharing prescription drugs with their friends or family because, to them, their intentions are pure as they are trying to help the people they care about.
It is illegal
Both federal and state laws prohibit the sharing of prescription drugs. The penalty for breaking this law in Missouri can include up to seven years in prison and a maximum fine of $100,000. Moreover, drug charges can have a lasting impact on your child’s future, like making it difficult to get a job, housing or financial aid for college.
Medications affect people differently
Prescriptions are meant to be used under the direct care of a medical professional who can monitor the patient’s progress. When drugs are shared, the person taking them is not under a doctor’s care and may be taking a medication that interacts badly with other drugs they are using or are allergic to.
Additionally, different people metabolize medications at different rates. So, the person sharing their prescription may think the drug is safe for the other person to take because it doesn’t affect them that way when in reality, it could be very dangerous.
Potential for addiction
When someone takes a medication that is not prescribed for them, they are more likely to develop a dependence on it. This is because their body is not used to that drug but will eventually develop a reliance on it to function normally.
It’s stealing
When your child shares their prescription drugs with someone else, they are essentially stealing from the person who needs them. Not only is this morally wrong, but it can also lead to legal trouble if the person who stole the drugs is caught.
Sharing is caring, but not when it comes to prescription drugs. Your child can get themselves in huge trouble with the law or endanger the life of their friend by giving them their prescribed medication. So, taking the time to broach this sensitive topic with your child could be one of the best things you do as a parent.