Prescription drug abuse is the use of a prescription drug in a way that is not intended by the prescribing physician. Prescription drug abuse includes everything from taking a friend’s prescription pain reliever for your back pain to snorting or injecting ground pills to get high. Prescription drug abuse, especially among adolescents, has become a national public health problem.
According to a report in Health Day, “the United States appears to be suffering from a teen drug crisis, with a new survey showing that 24 percent of high school students – more than 5 million children – have these Abused drugs. ”
It’s scary, especially if you have a teenager at home. Adolescents is a vulnerable phase which could make or compromise a child’s future standing at the crossroads of life. Parents are usually under enormous pressure to protect their children from such maladies.
How does a child fall prey to prescription drug abuse?
When children play with their peers, they strive to unravel life’s experiences, virtues and vices. Recreational prescription drug abuse also begins here. Taking prescriptions that are not recommended by a doctor can be a significant threat to your life. These drugs quickly become popular among children because they consider it a safer way to become high. Therefore, you must be constantly vigilant and have open and honest communication with your children. Finding prescription drugs seeking help for your child is the last thing you would like to go through in your life.
It is always advisable to keep prescription drugs containing addictive medicines out of the reach of children.
Six ways to prevent teenage prescription drug abuse:
- Discuss the dangers. Emphasize to your teenager that just because drugs are prescribed by a doctor does not mean its safe especially if they were prescribed to another person or if your child is already taking other prescription medications.
- Set rules. Inform your teen that it is not acceptable to share medications with others or to take prescribed medications meant for others. Emphasize the importance of taking the prescribed dose and talking to the doctor before making any changes.
- Discuss the dangers of drinking alcohol. The use of alcohol with medication may increase the risk of accidental overdose.
- Keep your prescription drugs safe. Keep track on the quantities and keep them in a locked medicine cabinet.
- Make sure your child does not order drugs online. Some sites sell counterfeit and dangerous drugs that may not be prescribed.
- Dispose medications properly. Do not leave unused or expired medications around. Disposal information can be found on the label or in the patient information, or ask your pharmacist for disposal instructions.