Prescription medication misuse by teens is a growing problem in the U.S. According
to The Partnership for a Drug-Free America:
- 1 in 6 teens has abused a prescription pain medication
- 1 in 10 report abusing prescription stimulants and tranquilizers
- 1 in 11 has abused cough medication
Many teens think taking prescription medications are safe because they have legitimate uses, but taking them without a prescription to get high or “self-medicate” can be as dangerous — and addictive — as using illicit drugs.
WHAT PARENTS CAN DO
The Partnership for a Drug-Free America recommends the following for parents:
1. Educate yourself about the prescription drugs and over-the counter medicines that kids are abusing.
2. Communicate with your kids:
- Discuss the subject with your teenagers. See what your kids know about peers using medications without a doctors’ prescription.
- Warn your teenagers that taking prescription medications without a doctors’ supervision can be just as dangerous and as potentially lethal as taking illicit drugs.
- Set clear expectations with your teenagers, letting them know that under no circumstances should they take any medications without your knowledge.
3. Safeguard medications at home and other places:
- Take an inventory of prescription and over-the-counter medications in your home. Pay attention to quantities.
- Keep medications out of reach – and out of easily accessible places like the medicine cabinet.