In fact, according to a recent study, 13.4% of older adults have had a long history of AUD. Prescription medications, if not used per a doctor’s instructions, can pose a problem as well. Unfortunately, SUD is a taboo topic in many households, but there is no shame in needing help. What can you do to keep you and your loved ones safe?

• Memory problems
• Changes in sleeping habits
• Unexplained bruises
• Irritability, sadness, depression
• Unexplained chronic pain
• Changes in eating habits
• Wanting to be alone often
• Failing to bathe or keep clean
• Losing touch with loved ones
• Lack of interest in usual activities

• Involuntary retirement
• Loss of a loved one
• Relocating
• Physical health issues
• Previous traumatic events
• Mental health disorders
• Social changes or economic stressors
• Lifetime or family history of SUD
• High availability of substances

The following can lower the likelihood of SUD
(known as protective factors):

• Resiliency
• Marriage or committed relationship
• Supportive family relationships
• Voluntary retirement
• Ability to live independently
• Positive self-image
• Well-managed medical care and proper use of medications
• Sense of identity and purpose
• Supportive networks and social bonds

Secure & Dispose Safely

Store your prescription medications out of sight and out of reach from children and youth. Surprisingly, about 50% of adolescents begin to self-medicate as early as age 11, and many of them start by swiping family members’ medications.

It’s ideal to store your medications in a locked cabinet. If you don’t have a locked cabinet, consider out-of-the-way spaces like in your nightstand, under your bed, or in your closet. Keeping them in the bathroom may not be wise, since children and youth may access them while unsupervised.

• Black out personal information before throwing away the bottle
• Participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day twice a year
• Use your local prescription dropboxes in the lobbies of most Police Departments in Wayne County. (Wooster’s dropbox is in the lobby of the Justice Center.)
• Order Deterra deactivation pouches online or purchase at select drug stores
• If the above aren’t options, mix medications with cat litter or used coffee grounds before throwing in trash

• SAMHSA
• Addiction Center
• OH Prevention Conference (2019)
• NIH MedlinePlus
• Prevention Action Alliance

• Nine out of ten poisonings of children 12 years old and younger involve medicine

• Medicine is the most likely toxin to poison pets at home