Illegal Prescription Drug Use Among Teens is On the Rise

Newspapers and local television new programs all across America have reported different names, same story, teenagers and the illegal use of prescription drugs. Now more than ever, teenagers have resorted to using prescription drugs as recreational drugs for a quick high.

The Partnership for a Drug Free America (PDFA) released a study this year that found, 1 out of every 5 teenagers has abused a prescription pain killer.The most popular drug of choice amongst teens is Vicodin, reportedly used by 4.3 million teens, followed by Oxycontin. Teens are also abusing over the counter drugs like stimulants and most believe that since these drugs are prescription drugs, they are safe.

The study by PDFA also showed a decrease in teens who said they saw increased anti-drug ads from 52 percent in 2003, falling to only 48 percent last year. Numbers across the board on a variety of drugs have been on the rise. Teens are using stimulants, tranquilizers, sedatives, pain relievers are high in teens ages 12-17 and it affects every race in America.

Teens need to understand the long term effects of these drugs, just because the FDA slaps a seal of approval on a drug doesn't mean it can be used by everyone. Morphine, Demerol, Oxycontin and Vicodin, also known as opioids or narcotic analgesics, widely used to treat pain can be deadly. These drugs not only are addictive but a large dose, can result in death. Other popular drugs like Valium and Xanax referred to as central nervous system depressants slow down the brains normal ability to function and can lead to physical addiction.

Stimulants commonly known as Ritalin and Dexedrine, are extremely dangerous drugs that can cause increased blood pressure, heart rate, can lead to irregular heartbeat or dangerously high body temperature. Even though more and more people are realizing the problems with prescription drugs and teen use, parents are still the frontline of defense.

If you suspect your teen has been abusing any substance, look for signs. Some of the most common characteristics are a teens personality change, irritability, a lasting cough, drop in grades, starting arguments, sudden mood changes, glazed eyes, increased sleep habits and requests to be left alone. If these things aren't normal for your teen, talk to them. Studies also support the fact that parents who are more involved with their teens are less likely to have a teen with drug problems.

This is a national problem that has touched every family, every school and every community of our nation. Local organizations everywhere have designed anti-drug awareness programs to educate young children and to discourage teens from using prescription drugs. If you would like more information about what you can do, look for the resources with this article.