In the United States an estimated 18 million people ages 12 and older misused prescription drugs within the last year. It is most common among young adults, ages 18 - 25, however kids in middle and high schools and high school are misusing medications as well.
When a person misuses medications they are more at risk of encountering counterfeit pills because they often get them from unreliable sources. If a person gets pills from a friend, co-worker or on social media, they don't know where that person got it. Unless you pick it up from a pharmacy, you can't be sure it's safe. Counterfeit prescription drugs are in all 50 states and have killed people in 42. Xanax, Oxycodone and Adderall are drugs that are commonly counterfeited.
In a few months, The Connecticut Prevention Network, which is comprised of 5 Regional Behavioral Health Action Organizations (including The Hub!) and other prevention partners, will be launching an awareness campaign to educate youth, young adults and their parents about the dangers of counterfeit drugs. Stay tuned!