Teen Abuse of Prescription Drugs

Prescription medication misuse by teens is a growing problem in the U.S. According to The Partnership for a Drug-Free America:

• 1 in 6 teens has abused a prescription pain medication

• 1 in 10 report abusing prescription stimulants and tranquilizers

• 1 in 11 has abused cough medication

Many teens think taking prescription medications are safe because they have legitimate uses, but taking them without a prescription to get high or “self-medicate” can be as dangerous — and addictive — as using illicit drugs. 

What parents can do

The Partnership for a Drug-Free America recommends the following for parents:

1. Educate yourself about the prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines that kids are abusing.

2. Communicate with your kids:

• Discuss the subject with your teenagers. See what your kids know about peers using medications without a doctors’ prescription.

• Warn your teenagers that taking prescription medications without a doctors’ supervision can be just as dangerous and as potentially lethal as taking illicit drugs.

• Set clear expectations with your teenagers, letting them know that under no circumstances should they take any medications without your knowledge.

3. Safeguard medications at home and other places. 

• Take an inventory of prescription and over-the-counter medications in your home. Pay attention to quantities.

• Keep medications out of reach – and out of easily accessible places like the medicine cabinet. 

(Source: Partnership for a Drug-Free America, www.drugfreeamerica.org)

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