This week I am keeping with the theme of the below listed parent tip. I want to inform the public of a few laws concerning prescription drugs. As stated below, this is a crime that is on the rise. Speaking with other local school liaisons, young students caught with prescription drugs, not belonging to them and being used for illegal purposes has been increasing. This can be a very deadly incident.
Controlled Substances — Selling Prescription Drugs.  MCL 333.17766F states that a person who did possess or control for the purpose of resale, sell or offer to sell, dispense, or give away  a drug, pharmaceutical preparation, or chemical that was dispensed on prescription and left the control of a pharmacist is guilty of  a misdemeanor punishable by 90 days in jail and/or $500 fine.
Controlled Substances Drugs — Possession of Forged Prescription. MCL 333.17766D states that a person who did knowingly possess a false, forged or altered prescription is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by 90 days in jail and/or $500 fine.
Parent tip:  Are your prescription drugs secured? Are you sure? Abusing prescription drugs is becoming increasingly common among teens and adults. Because prescription drugs are prescribed by a doctor, there is a myth that they are safe. However, it is not safe to use someone else’s prescription drugs or to misuse drugs that are prescribed to you. Misuse and abuse of these drugs is reaching epidemic proportions in our nation. According to the 2009 National Prescription Drug Treatment Assessment, individuals abusing painkillers and other narcotics often switch to heroin.
Regardless of age, we all need to do our part to prevent prescription drug abuse in our community by monitoring, securing, and properly disposing of our medications. It is our voice, our community, and our opportunity. Start taking action this summer by checking your medicine cabinets, talking to family and friends about this issue and learning more about the warning signs of prescription drug abuse. What can you do? 1) Take inventory of all medicines in your home regularly and make sure that they are monitored and secured, 2) Only take medications as prescribed to you, 3) Talk to youth in your life about the dangers of abusing medicine, 4) Properly dispose of expired or unused medications.
Did you know 1) 1 in 5 teens report abusing prescription drugs, 2) Young people who get addicted to prescription narcotics like Vicodin or Oxycotin often switch to heroin, 3) When prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications are misused or abused they can be harmful, even deadly, especially when combined with alcohol and other drugs.
Dispose of your meds. No not flush down the toilet! Take meds out of original containers. Crush, if possible, and mix with kitty litter or coffee grounds before putting them in the trash. Other helpful websites are www.theantidrug.com, www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov, www.drugfree.org/notinmyhouse, www.prescription-drug-abuse.org  and www.nida.nih.gov.
Watch this column for an upcoming date for medication disposal.

E-mail your questions to Trooperrob53@Yahoo.com.