According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, prescription drugs are the most commonly abused substance besides marijuana and alcohol. In 2014, almost 20 percent of 12th graders abused prescription drugs in their lifetime. This is down from the previous year of 21.50 percent, but still poses a serious concern. Why do kids abuse prescription drugs? How do they get them? What should we do if we know someone that is abusing prescription drugs and needs help?
Teenagers abuse prescription drugs for all sorts of reasons. Sometimes they abuse them to get high. Some teenagers use them to help them concentrate and do better in school. Some teenagers abuse prescription drugs to stop chronic pain, perhaps from a sports injury. Boys are generally the ones that abuse prescription drugs to get high, while girls are more likely to abuse the prescription drugs to help them focus, or to suppress their appetite so that they will lose weight. Whatever the reason the teen is abusing the drugs, it is a dangerous pastime.
You might wonder, where do they get the prescription drugs? Well it is easier then you may think. Oftentimes teenagers get them from friends or relatives. It can be very easy to pilfer a few pills here and there from a relative, and sell them to friends or take the pills themselves. It is important to always be responsible and diligent when it comes your own medications, keeping track of how many pills are in your bottles and always disposing of the pills properly.
Prescription drugs are safe and effective when used properly. However, when they are taken without a prescription and not under a doctor’s care then they can be dangerous and addictive. When taken in incorrect doses they can cause overdose and addiction.
Teens are also often faced with friends or peers who are experimenting with prescription drugs. What should they do when faced with this situation? Education is important in helping teenagers deal with situations when a friend might need help. Teens should consult an adult for help in finding a treatment facility and know where to find the suicide prevention hotline phone number. Prescription Drug Abuse is on the decline in high schools, let’s hope it keeps going in that direction.