May 16, 2013
Drug Free Coalition of Hall County, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. [Learn more]
June 20, 2013
DeKalb Medical Society, reception (6 p.m.) and dinner/program (6:30 p.m.) [Learn more]
September 14, 2013
Free Pain Symposium/CME [Learn more]
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Do you know someone with a prescription drug abuse problem?
Statewide, the statistics are staggering. Prescription drug abuse is advancing at alarming rates throughout our population. From law enforcement to educators, from grassroots community efforts to statewide organizations, concerned citizens of Georgia are striving to address the multiple facets of this damaging and costly situation. Prescription drug abusers are not limited to street addicts. Abuse crosses demographic lines and affects all ages because sources of medications are diverse and difficult to control. Drugs are easily attained through a physician - or multiple physicians simultaneously - as there is no statewide tracking mechanism. Often, medications are prescribed for legitimate reasons but are later diverted to abusers. Drugs are frequently stolen from parents, grandparents, friends or co-workers.
Video: Family tries to help save others from prescription drug addiction
Managing Multiple Sources of Drug Abuse
Awareness has increased, but the adverse effects on our families, schools and businesses continue to grow. To alleviate this problem, we must more effectively manage the multiple sources. Physicians who prescribe, pharmacists who dispense, and the public who take medications all need to better understand the role they may unknowingly play in the potentially deadly stream of diverted legal drugs that flows through our state. Physicians and pharmacists need ongoing, up-to-date education on the ever changing epidemic of prescription drug abuse in our state. They also need current tools for educating their patients about these medications, which are potentiallly addictive and dangerous, that they should be locked away during use and discarded properly if some or all of the medication is not used. The public needs to understand their role in stopping this deadly trend by understanding how to use and then, in fact, using their medication properly, storing it securly while taking it and discarding safely any unused medications.
The Think About It Campaign
In response to this growing need, the Medical Association of Georgia Foundation has launched a significant statewide initiative to more effectively manage and control potentially dangerous prescription drugs in Georgia. The Think About It Campaign will involve the creation and implementation of an educational awareness program and will require a collaborative, coordinated effort sustained by multiple collaborative partners. These partners include, but are not limited to, physicians, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, public health, treatment community, education, law enforcement, judicial, business community and public policy makers. Additionally, the campaign will include collaboration and advocacy for statewide comprehensive drug policy and programs to promote secure storage and safe disposal. These initiatives are being designed with practical solutions to result in measurable outcomes of behavioral change.
