CLOSED! Prescription Drug Abuse & Lockmed Medication Lock box GIVEAWAY

Congrats to Paula A. winner, winner, chicken dinner!

Did you know that over 3 million American teens abuse prescription drugs?  Statistics show that each day, 3,300 children begin experimenting with prescription drugs. 60% of teens in the US will have tried prescription drugs--before the age of 15.   That's enough to disturb you, right?  It's very scary to know that one day, our kids will most likely be offered or exposed to some sort of drugs.  Prescription drug abuse is one of the most common for young people because it is so easily accessible at their very own homes. I read in one study that over half of kids ages 12-17 who have tried medications got them for free from a friend or family member.  Do you have your medications locked up?  I don't yet, but after learning all of this info, I'll be putting some serious measures down to keep my meds safe.

Prescription drug abuse is defined as "the taking of medication that is not prescribed to you, or taking altered dosages or for reasons other than prescribed for."   Some of the most commonly abused meds are those that are prescribed for pain, anxiety, sleep, and stimulants, such as those for ADHD.  There is a huge list of effects that abusing these drugs can have that range from physical addiction, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, anxiety, paranoia, and seizures to name a few.

Abuse of medications is growing in the youth at an alarming rate.  In addition to it being so easy to find, a lot of kids think that because it is prescribed from a doctor, then it can't be that bad.  They are not aware that taking meds for a condition that they do not have can lead to new problems that may need to be treated.  Also, they often take too much of a drug and over-dosing, because they are not aware of correct amounts that can be safely taken.

Of course, it's not only kids that are abusing meds.  Adults are also having the same issues, and a lot of times, it all starts with a legitimate reason to be prescribed the medication, and it then turns to dependence.  I've heard of times that a person has a minor car wreck and get some pain meds, and that's all it takes to get a person to realize they really like how those meds make them feel.  They then will try to continue getting pain meds, and soon become addicted.  The elderly are also at risk because they are prescribed so many medications, and their metabolism changes as they age, which leads to a lesser dosage being more powerful than it would in a younger person.  It can give them a euphoric feeling that they really like.

How do you know if someone you love is abusing prescription drugs?  There are many signs that can be a warning to you that somebody may have a problem.  Personality changes, excessive drowsiness, confusion, difficulty walking, and rapid eye movements are a few to look for.  Also, if a person is going around to several doctors, known as "doctor shopping", then they may have a drug problem.  Also, you may notice a bunch of empty medicine bottles or even blank prescription pads in their possession.  You read all about these warning signs HERE.

So now that you know about prescription drug abuse, what can you do to help prevent it?  Here are some of the most important tips to follow:

1)  Educate yourself and your family about the dangers of prescription drug abuse. Include prescription drugs when you talk to your kids about the dangers of alcohol and street drugs.  Become familiar with street terms and slang for prescription meds if you have kids.  Know who your kids' friends are and their families.

2)  Keep track of your medicine.  Know how much is in the bottle and keep track of refills.

3)  Don't tell people about what medicines you have and limit how many people have access to where you store your medicines.  It's best to keep medications locked up in a box such as Lockmed medication lock boxes.  Ask friends and family members to also lock medicines up.

4)  If your child is prescribed drugs, make sure they are only taking the correct dosage and are not giving it to friends.  You need to be in control and monitor the usage.  This includes ADHD meds.

5)  Dispose of any medications properly.  Remove the medication from the bottle and mix with undesirable material like coffee ground or kitty litter.  Then put them in a bag or can and dispose.  Make sure it is hidden in the trash so people can't see them to take them out.  Remove identifying labels from the bottles before throwing away.  Also, there are places that you could take your medications.  Some free and low-income clinics take unwanted medications and use them for those unable to pay for medicine.  In addition to that, many police stations have a "medication take-back" program, and they will properly dispose of your prescription drugs for you.

Taking action now is the best thing you can do to prevent prescription drug abuse.  It all starts at home.  I do have certain medications that should be locked up, and I plan on purchasing a Lockmed box to keep my kids away from them.

Lockmed is a company that is dedicated to educating and preventing prescription drug abuse.  They make medication lock boxes that range from small to large.  They will have either a key or a combination lock, depending on which size you choose.

In addition to making the lock boxes, they all support a great cause.  Every year, they donate their boxes and funds to communities in high-risk areas.  They have donated to schools, medical facilities, and army bases to name a few.

And, to help get you started with prevention, Lockmed is offering a lock box to one of you BeeCuties!

BUY IT 
You can purchase a Lockmed medication lock box online or at over 100 pharmacies and retail stores such as Target, Price Chopper, and Shaw's Drug.  Prices begin at $18.99.

And here is your chance to WIN one of your own!  Lockmed is offering one BeeCute reader to win the small Lockmed box, valued at $18.99.

WIN IT

**Mandatory Entry** You must be a follower of my blog on Google Friend Connect to enter. (Look at the top left corner of the blog and click Join this Site.) Then, go to Lockmed and tell me something you learned that I did NOT already post. (1 entry total for mandatory) Leave your entries below in the comments. Note: You must enter the mandatory entry before doing the extra entries, or you will be disqualified. Also, you must leave a valid email address on all entries so I have a way to contact you if you are chosen as the winner. Read the rules below for entering my giveaways.


Extra Entries --Must do the Mandatory Entry first before any Extra Entries are valid.

1) LIKE Lockmed on Facebook and write on their wall that @BeeCute sent you. (1 entry)

2) Follow Lockmed on twitter and leave me your twitter name. (1 entry)

3) Like BeeCute on facebook (top right corner of blog, you can click LIKE on the widget, Please leave your facebook user name) (1 entry)

4) .Follow BeeCute (@mandmvaught) on twitter and leave your twitter name. (1 entry)
5) Subscribe to BeeCute email newsletter. (top right corner, and you must confirm it when you get the confirmation email. I will check.) (2 entries)

6) Subscribe to Lockmed's channel on Youtube and leave your youtube user name.  (1 entry)

7) Tweet this giveaway. May be done up to 5 times daily, at least an hour apart. You must leave the url link of your tweet with your entry. (1 entry per each tweet) You may use your own tweet including a link to this site and @LockmedBoxes and @mandmvaught or you can copy/paste the following:

#WIN a medication lock box from @LOCKMEDboxes & @mandmvaught  http://www.beecute1.blogspot.com/  Ends 4/24

7) Tell me where you found this giveaway. (1 entry)

8) Share this giveaway on facebook and link @BeeCute and in the post (may be done one time daily). (2 entries per post)

9) Blog about this giveaway. You must include a link to this giveaway in your post and have at least 25 followers. Leave the link to your blog post in the comments with your entry. (3 entries)

10) Add my button to your blog and leave a link telling me where I can find it.  (5 entries)
Contest will end on April 24th, 2011 at midnight CST. Open to the US only. Winner will be selected at random, and contacted by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond, or another winner will be chosen.

RULES
BeeCute is simply hosting this giveaway and is not responsible for the prize itself. The sponsors of the giveaway are responsible for shipping out the prize to the winner. BeeCute will relay the winner's information on to the sponsor. If there is any problem with the prize, BeeCute will continue to try to work with the sponsor to correct any problems. BeeCute is not liable or financially responsible for the prizes.

You must complete your entries as stated. If you do not complete the entries as stated, then it will be deleted. For example, if you do not leave your user name with your facebook entry, then it will not count. You must leave a valid email address on each entry. This is how I will contact you if you win.

Only one person per home/IP address is allowed to enter this giveaway. If I see that you are entering under multiple names, etc then you will be immediately disqualified and banned from entering future giveaways. I do not tolerate cheating, and will be checking to ensure all my giveaways are fair.

The winner will be selected at random. I will contact the winner by email, and you will have 48 hours to contact me, or another winner will be selected.

BeeCute reserves the right to change any rules if deemed necessary without prior notice.

Disclosure:  This is not a sponsored post, and I did not receive anything for this post.  It's simply a cause that I feel needs awareness, and the company mentioned supplied the giveaway prize.  All opinions stated are my own.  Please use your own judgement when selecting products for your family.