Nearly 99 percent of youth in far Western North Carolina do not misuse prescription drugs. Youth who learn about the dangers of drugs and alcohol early and often are much less likely to develop addiction than those who do not receive these critical messages at home (Partnership for a Drug-Free Kids).

Parents, guardians, and others can reduce the risk that prescription drugs will be misused by securely storing them and safely disposing of them when they are no longer needed or have expired.

Mountain Strong provides medication lock boxes, when available, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Most communities have medication drop boxes located at local pharmacies or law enforcement agencies.