The American Academy of Pediatrics has teamed up with a number of associations, including those of school nurses, to warn parents of this growing danger.
Parents of Teens Beware: The Dangers of Drug Use (and Access) May be Closer Than You Think!
According to a 2005 survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSA), Some teens are abusing prescription and OTC drugs, intentionally, to get high. And these drugs can be just as addictive as illegal drugs, like marijuana, cocaine, and LSD (Theanitdrug.com).
Parents have been diligent, over the years, about warning teens of the dangers of illegal drug use. The new menace in the medicine cabinet - prescription drug abuse - has caught many parents unaware; and posed significant danger for many teens.
What makes teen abuse of over the counter (OTC) and prescription drugs so dangerous?
- Teens often ingest more than the recommended dose.
- Teens often combine prescription and over the counter drugs with alcohol, which can be potentially fatal.
- Teens often practice "pharming," sharing, mixing and ingesting large doses of prescription and over the counter drugs.
- Teens often discount the potential dangers of prescription and over the counter drugs because they are physician prescribed and do not carry the stigma of "street drugs."
SAMSA reports that rates of new users of marijuana are nearly equal to those of new users of prescription drugs. Parents should be concerned; over the counter and prescription drugs are fast becoming the new source of teen drug abuse. But what can parents do?
- Pay attention - surveys show that teens are taking these drugs from medicine cabinets in their own homes. Notice how many pills you have and when you should expect to refill your prescriptions. Also, be aware that teens may take these drugs from medicine cabinets while visiting friends or family.
- Talk with your teens about all drug use. Help them understand that misused prescription or over the counter drugs can be just as dangerous as street drugs.
- Learn to recognize the signs of drug and alcohol abuse (Theantidrug.com has many helpful tips).
- Be aware that there are unscrupulous services that will provide prescription drugs, without a prescription. Monitor your teen's Internet use and mail if you have concerns. If you are concerned that your teen may be abusing OTC drugs, be sure to monitor cough syrup use, grocery store receipts and similiar signs that there may be a problem.
- Build community - talk with teachers and other parents about how you can work together to minimize the dangers of drug use and keep your teen safe.
- Continually recommit to strengthening your relationship with your teen.
- Check in on your teens when they are hanging out in your home. Be sure that they will be supervised when visiting friends as well.
- Revisit the conversation about being drug free regularly.
- Listen. Sometimes drug use is a cry for help and/or belonging that parents can miss with the rush and hurry of daily living.
