Medicine abuse is a serious issue among teens, and even if you don’t think your child has tried it, chances are they know someone who has. That’s why the Partnership at DrugFree.org kicked off the Medicine Abuse Project on September 23, 2012. This week-long event is dedicated to raising awareness about medicine abuse among parents, educators, and health professionals. Joining the effort are celebrities such as actress Melissa Gilbert (“Little House on the Prairie”) and Chef Andrew Zimmerman (“Bizarre Foods”).

There are lots of ways you can join the conversation:

1. Visit the Medicine Abuse Project website to learn about medicine abuse, read others’ stories, and sign the pledge. Make sure to share what you’ve learned with your family and friends!
2. Join the Medicine Abuse Project LIVE: iVillage Twitter chat on September 24th at 8pm E.T., using the hashtag #endmedabuse.
3. Watch the “Hope for Recovery” webinar, presented by the Partnership at DrugFree.org and A&E Networks, on September 27th at12pm E.T. Keep an eye out for our Five Moms’ Peggy McKibbin, asking a question about OTC cough medicine abuse!
4. Participate in the “Meet the Parents” Hour Facebook chat on September 27th at 8pm E.T., with actress and model Amber Smith (“Celebrity Rehab”).
5. Take the Medicine Abuse Project Pledge to end medicine abuse by safeguarding your medicines, talking with your teens, and educating other parents.

We’d love to hear how you’re planning to celebrate this month! Post a comment below, or visit our Facebook or Twitter pages to tell us how you fight medicine abuse!

StopMedicineAbuse.org is a campaign of the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) – a proud partner of the Medicine Abuse Project.