THE DANGERS OF Rx ABUSE

Prescription and over-the-counter drugs are the most commonly abused substances by Americans age 14 and older, after marijuana and alcohol.When prescription drugs are abused, they can be addictive and put the person at risk for other harmful health effects, such as overdose (especially when taken along with other drugs or alcohol). And, abusing prescription drugs is illegal—and that includes sharing prescriptions with family members or friends.
Prescription drugs are designed to treat a specific illness or condition, but they often affect the body in other ways, some of which can be dangerous. These are called side effects. For example, OxyContin stops pain, but it also causes constipation and sleepiness. Stimulants, such as Adderall, increase a person’s ability to pay attention, but they also raise blood pressure and heart rate, making the heart work harder. These side effects can be worse when prescription drugs are not taken as prescribed or are abused in combination with other substances—including alcohol, other prescription drugs, and even over-the-counter drugs, such as cold medicines. More than half of the drug overdose deaths in the United States each year are caused by prescription drug abuse (NIDA).

In Eaton County, our 2016 MiPHY survey shows about 8% of 11th grade students are abusing Ritalin, Adoral, Xanax and almost 5% of 9th grade students are abusing painkillers such as OxyContin. 

To learn about the prevalence of overdoses in Eaton County specifically,
click on our Overdose Data in Action Report for 2023.

eaton_overdose_report_december_2023.pdf
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Rx ABUSE PREVENTION

In our Coalition, we have learned first hand how many youth and teens get their abused prescription drugs from a friend or relative, either for free, by buying them, or taking them without asking. We ask all parents and adults to make sure their prescription medication is locked up and or in an inaccessible location to those that may abuse them. For individuals that require a specific medication, we encourage you to speak with your doctor on whether there’s an alternative medication with ingredients that have less potential for addiction. In addition, we have partnered with Capital Counties Commit, a campaign empowering young adults and community members on the negative effects of prescription abuse.

Eaton County Rx DISPOSAL Drop Off Sites

CVS Pharmacy: 301 S. Cochrane, Charlotte, MI, (517) 543-4905, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Weekends, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Eaton County Courthouse: 1045 Independence, Charlotte, MI, (517) 543-7500, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Eaton County Sheriff’s Office Delta Patrol: 7108 Administration Dr, Lansing, MI, (517) 372-8217, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.​
Eaton Rapids Police Department Lobby: 101 Line Street, Eaton Rapids, MI, (517) 663-8118, 
Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
All Meijer Pharmacies: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Charlotte: 1167 E Clinton Trail, (517) 541-9210; Grand Ledge: 730 E Saginaw Hwy, (517) 622-6810; and West Lansing: 5125 W Saginaw Hwy, (517) 886-8110
Michigan State Police: 7119 North Canal Road, Lansing, MI, (517) 322-1907, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Must-See Documentary on Opioids in America

In an effort to combat the growing epidemic of prescription drug and heroin abuse, the FBI and DEA have released "Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict," a documentary aimed at educating students and young adults about the dangers of addiction.