Prescription Medications Growing Problems Among U.S. Teens
Posted on December 18, 2009There is still a growing epidemic of prescription drug abuse among high school students. For too many of these individuals, the access to these drugs is as close as the medicine cabinet. It is up to parents to pay closer attention and become part of the solution in this growing problem.
A recent article in the Times Daily featured the findings of a recent survey by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) which indicated that nearly one in 10 high school seniors have abused prescription painkillers. The most recent reports out of the DEA suggest nearly seven million Americans are abusing prescription drugs, up from 3.8 million in 2000.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in 2008, 15.4 percent of all 12th graders throughout the nation reported using a prescription drug illegally within the past year.
Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the NIDA, noted that 10.5 percent of 12th graders reported using Vicodin for non-medical reasons. Another 4.5 percent said they used OxyContin without a prescription. Both drugs are powerful pain medications, which are the most popular choice of abuse among teens.
The problem is growing to such levels in Waynesboro, Tenn., that Police Chief Keith Reeves reported that the City Commission approved funding for school resource officers. "We’ve had several incidents where pills were brought to school, and they weren’t brought by a seller or pusher, but from the students’ homes," Reeves said.
Beyond the high school problem, use and abuse is also impacting younger students. In fact, 12-, 13- and 14-year olds are being found on prescription medications for which they have no prescription. The addictions are severe and many of these individuals believe they cannot live without the meds. In truth, many will die if they do not quit this dangerous habit.
