By Candace A. Champagne
In 2010, more than 3.7 billion prescriptions were filled in the United States at a cost of more than $220 billion, according to Kaiser State Health Facts (statehealthfacts.org).
The population of the U.S. is about 300 million people, so that’s 12 prescriptions for every man, woman and child in this country.
On a local level, for the first time more people have been seeking treatment for opiate dependence than alcohol, showing more than a 20 percent increase since 2008 (CareNet report for Riverhaven-funded clients, Bay City).
As a mother, grandmother, friend, neighbor and treatment provider in this community, I am concerned about this growing problem. Young people often take prescription drugs to get high, falsely thinking that they are safe. Abusing prescription medication is very dangerous and illegal. Combining alcohol with prescription medications can be life-threatening.
I believe that no matter what our medical problems are, pills alone are not the solution. We need to make positive behavioral changes to enable healthier lifestyles.
Here are some suggestions:
• Do you wonder how to better protect your child? Are you willing to become more effective? For parenting tips, go to The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, .
• If you are uninformed and willing to learn, go to The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration  for facts about specific drugs.
• If you have been sharing prescriptions, please stop. Someone’s life may be endangered.
• If you have been in the habit of leaving old medications in the bathroom cabinet or flushing them down the drain, please dispose of them properly at the DEA’s Take Back Initiative.
If you have always wanted to get involved, and wish to be of value with this issue, become a member of the Bay County Prevention Network by calling (989) 895-3510. We meet the first Monday of every month from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission.
Our primary purpose is to reduce self-destructive behaviors among our youth. We are a dedicated few, working together to better the lives of everyone in our community.