Lock It Up Project
Who We Are
The Lock It Up Project is a community-based substance abuse prevention program designed to increase awareness of the risks and consequences as well as preventative practices associated with the illicit use of prescription and over the counter medication by teens and young adults ages 10-25 in Fresno County.
Funded by the Fresno County Department of Behavioral Health Substance Use Disorder Services.
Program Services
- Informational and educational presentations for youth and adults
- In-service training for school and professional personnel
- Community-based outreach
- Evidence-based curriculum education
- High School Youth Coalitions
- College-based Peer Education Program
- Town Hall Meetings
- Media campaigns
- Pharmacy partnerships – Pharmacy Initiative Participating Pharmacies
- Safe disposal site referrals – Local Safe Drug Drop-Off Locations
Most Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs
Opioids (Pain Killers)
These medications are prescribed to treat severe pain. Examples include but are not limited to OxyContin, Hydrocodone, Morphine, and Vicodin.
Stimulants
Prescribed to treat narcolepsy, ADHD, and ADD. Examples include but are not limited to Ritalin and Adderall.
Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants (includes tranquilizers, sedatives, and hypnotics)
Prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. Examples include but are not limited to Xanax, Valium, and Nembutal.
*All of these medications can be addictive and should only be used as prescribed.
Risk Factors of Prescription Drug Abuse
Signs and symptoms may vary based on personality, tolerance, genetic predisposition, or type of medication, but may include:
- Poor decision-making
- Appearing to be high, unusually energetic, or sedated
- Stealing, forging, or selling prescriptions
- Taking higher doses than prescribed
- Excessive mood swings or hostility
- Increase or decrease in sleep
- Requesting early refills or regularly “losing” prescriptions so more prescriptions must be written
- Seeking prescriptions from more than one doctor
How You Can Help
- Only take prescriptions as directed
- Never share or take medication from others- including family
- Talk to your doctor about your concerns and needs
- Lock your medications up at home to keep them out of the hands of children or someone seeking to abuse medications.
- Dispose of your medications correctly. Bring unwanted/unneeded medication to a safe disposal site or:
- Pour medication from the bottle into a sealable container or bag
- Add dirt, cat litter, or coffee grounds
- Add water
- Seal container or bag and then deposit it in the trash (*DO NOT flush medication down the toilet or drain due to water contamination.
- Be aware of the dangers of mixing medications with other drugs such as alcohol, street drugs or other medications.
Sources: Mayo Clinic and NIDA
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