Okla. Center For Poison & Drug Information Reports Spike In Poisonings Among Adolescent Girls

The Oklahoma Center For Poison & Drug Information says it's seeing a trend in the number of intentional poisonings among adolescent girls.

The center says that in the first 10 days of February, it received reports of 51 cases of girls intentionally trying to poison themselves. That's more than twice the number in the previous 10 days.

The center wants parents and guardians to take steps to protect kids from overdosing on over-the-counter drugs. 

The Poison Center encourages the following:

1. Families and caregivers should keep medications, including OTC pain relievers, locked up and away. 
2. Teach adolescents how to properly take OTC medications.
3. Have a family conversation about the dangers of misusing medications. 
4. Remove old or unnecessary medications from the home.
5. Safely dispose of unwanted or expired medications. 
6. Take threats and discussions about self-harm seriously. 

You can contact the poison center 24-hours-a-day at 1-800-222-1222.

It is News On 6’s policy when reporting about a situation involving suicide or a suicide attempt to provide resources for anybody considering self-harm.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a hotline for people in crisis or for those looking to help someone. To speak with a certified listener, call 800-273-8255.

The Veterans Crisis Line and Military Crisis Line at 800-273-8255 (Press 1) connect veterans and service members in crisis and their families and friends with qualified U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat or text.

Crisis Text Line is a texting service for emotional crisis support. To speak with a trained listener, text HELLO to 741741. It is free, available 24/7 and confidential.