Monday, July 06, 2009

Prescription Drug Use



Prescription drug abuse among teenagers is an issue we need to be aware of because so often it occurs under the radar. Not only is it important to talk about these issues openly with youth to bring the dangers to light, we also need to support parents and let them know the dangers so that they can be alert. Are the majority of teenagers abusing prescription drugs? No (although some news reports might lead readers or viewers to come to that conclusion). However, I believe many teenagers and young adults might be willing to experiment with prescription drugs who would not try some of the more "traditional" illegal drugs, such as marijuana. MSNBC.com has a recent report:

"It just starts out as a party drug, you know, every now and then," [drug treatment center resident] Fultz said. "Once you start doing it every day, I mean it just takes compete control of your life."

Finding a prescription drug supply was easy for Fultz. "It's very simple to get. It's everywhere," she said. But once addicted, the costs are severe. "I've lost everything. I've lost everything and it's so easy to do."

Perhaps one of the untruths of this issue that help contribute to the problem is that it is far more unlikely for kids from "good families" to fall into drug use. Consider this statement from the article by a judge who sees many of these cases:

"I see good kids from good families, doctors, lawyers, teachers," she said.

High risk behavior can be seen from all areas of society. While socioeconomic status certainly has shown to have an affect on the statistics. We can no longer assume that high risk behavior such as illicit drug use, highly promiscuous sexual activity, and even prostitution is something that only happens among teenagers in "rough" neighborhoods. I recommend Scott Larson's Risk in our Midst (out of print, Group Publishing, 2000) as a good read on the subject.

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