Newswise — CHICAGO – September 24, 2012 – The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) today announced its strategic partnership with The Partnership at Drugfree.org’s new national campaign, The Medicine Abuse Project, to prevent half a million teens from abusing drugs.
“Many anesthesiologists are pain medicine experts and treat patients with pain management techniques and prescription drugs,” said ASA Chair of the Committee on Communications John F. Dombrowski, M.D. “ASA is pleased to be part of The Medicine Abuse Project, as anesthesiologists are passionate about not only relieving pain, but also educating patients about how to prevent drug abuse.”
As part of the September 23-29 campaign, ASA and The Partnership at Drugfree.org encourage individuals to sign a Pledge, committing to get educated and do their part to control drug abuse, including properly safeguarding and disposing medications. In addition, individuals can:
• Safeguard their medicine. Keep prescription drugs in a secure place. • Properly dispose of unused medicine at home or take-back site. • Educate yourself and share what you know with family, friends and neighbors. • Talk to kids about risks of abusing drugs.
“One in six teens take medicine to get high or change their mood,” said Dr. Dombrowski. “As medicine abuse continues to be a growing problem among teens in the United States, it is important initiatives like The Medicine Abuse Project continue to educate the public on this serious issue.”
For additional information on ASA’s involvement with the campaign, please visit LifelinetoModernMedicine.com.
The American Society of AnesthesiologistsAnesthesiologists: Physicians providing the lifeline of modern medicine. Founded in 1905, the American Society of Anesthesiologists is an educational, research and scientific association with 48,000 members organized to raise and maintain the standards of the medical practice of anesthesiology and improve the care of the patient.
For more information on the field of anesthesiology, visit the American Society of Anesthesiologists website at asahq.org. For patient information, visit LifelinetoModernMedicine.com.
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