In 2020 there where 13 overdose deaths in Smith County Tennessee More Americans died of drug overdoses in 2016 than died in the entire Vietnam War according to a report by Josh Katz for the New York Times. According to the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, in 2019 there where 2,089 opioid related deaths in the state of Tennessee. ALMOST SIX DEATHS EVERY DAY! Accidental Opioid Overdose has been declared a […]
David Rasmussen
5 posts
Research indicates that the human brain continues to develop into a person’s early 20’s, and that exposure of the developing brain to alcohol may have long-lasting effects on intellectual capabilities and may increase the likelihood of alcohol addiction. The age when drinking starts affects future drinking problems. For each year that the start of drinking is delayed, the risk of later alcohol dependence is reduced by 14 percent Binge Drinking is defined as a pattern […]
Young people are increasingly abusing prescription drugs because they view them as somehow safer than illegal drugs. However, some prescription medications are considered controlled substances, and their improper distribution and use is both illegal and dangerous. Intentional abuse of drugs such as pain relievers, stimulants, tranquilizers, and sedatives is a growing concern. Next to marijuana, the most common drugs that teens use to get high are prescription drugs. Oxycontin and Vicodin are the most commonly abused. […]
Smith County now has two convenient drug drop boxes. These locations are available, 24/7, to discard unused, unwanted medications. Anyone can drop off prescription, over-the-counter, or veterinarian medicines at the Smith County Sheriff Department or at the Carthage Police Department. To prevent accidental overdose, or intentional misuse, please properly dispose of all unwanted or out-of-date medicines. Keep all medicines in a locked medicine box or cabinet. Medicine Lock Boxes are available at Wal-Mart, Lowes, and online at Amazon. 4 […]
Count It! Count your pills every two weeks. This will help prevent theft of your medications. Click HERE to download a Counting Sheet or stop by the Smith County Drug Prevention Coalition at 122 Turner High Circle, Suite 111 Carthage TN, for a free counting sheet. Lock It! Lock up your medications. The Smith County Drug Prevention Coalition offers free medication lock boxes or medicine disposal kits. Drop It! Properly dispose of unused or expired […]