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A Southwest Florida where…
families live healthy, rewarding lives
parents are empowered to raise
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PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE:
WHAT WE ALL NEED TO KNOW
Just a short walk to the home medicine cabinet, teens are finding easy access to what has become a serious problem, prescription medication abuse. According to (CADCA) the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, nationally teens are now abusing prescription medications more than any illicit drug including cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine combined.
Youth often believe abusing prescription medications is safer than using illicit drugs and may not know of the addictive and dangerous consequences. Between the ages of 12 and 17, approximately 2500 youth try prescription drugs for the first time, The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that in 2008 15.4% of 12th graders report having used prescription drugs "nonmedically" in the past year. Parents may be unaware their teens are abusing these medications. In addition prescription drugs are often taken in combination along with alcohol in what is commonly referred to in the teen world as "pharm parties". These parties are often recorded and uploaded onto popular online video sites.
The most popular classes of prescription medications commonly abused by teens are;
* Painkillers including codeine, oxycodone, morphine and brands such as Vicodin and OxyContin.
* Depressants including brands such as Xanax, Valium, and Klonopin,
* Stimulants (mainly prescribed to treat ADHD) including brands such as Adderall, Concerta and Ritalin.
What can parents do?
Since most prescription medication access begins at home, parents and caregivers should become the first line of defense. Parents can protect their children by ** Keeping medications in a secure location
** Monitoring their use as well as the number of pills in each bottle
** Safely dispose of unused and old medications.
Visit these websites for more information
National Family Partnership - Lock Your Meds
SAMHSA Prevent Prescription Drug Abuse
Parents: The Anti Drug
