More Teens Abusing Prescription Drugs

Prescription drug abuse among teens is on the rise.  While the nationwide trend is up, it is even more worrysome that teens have jumped on the bandwagon. Watching the ads on tv and in magazines and billboards, and even seeing their parents, grandparents and other adults using these medications makes them seem less harmful. But nothing could be further from the truth.

The Cheshire Herald ran a story this week written by Josh Morgan. In the article he states that according to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, is the trend among teenagers, with one in five abusing prescriptions and more than 4,000 teens abusing prescription drugs for the first time every day. Additionally, most of these teens feel there is nothing wrong with prescription drug abuse, since it was prescribed by a doctor.

These types of drugs are abused more often than cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, and methamphetamine combined. While experts agree that prescription drugs serve an important purpose under the guidance of a physician, many teens are going to “pharm parties” or “bowling parties,” where every prescription drug on hand is dumped into one container, shaken up, and people take random pills. Maybe the teenagers want to get high or are seeking a thrill, or maybe they have low self-esteem and are trying to cope, but whatever the reason, it’s a new culture that isn’t discussed as often as drugs and alcohol risks.

Jennifer DeWitt with the Central Naugatuck Valley Regional Action Council spoke to a panel at Town Hall in Cheshire Connecticut. She informed the panel that there are plenty of myths about the lack of risks with prescription drugs and that teens believe prescription drugs are safe because it has an intended medical purpose. There is a perception of safety with it.

From 1995 to 2004, DeWitt explained that fatal medication-error cause of death, akin to an overdose, increased more than 3,000 percent. That increase, especially among teenagers, comes from the belief that such medication will not have significant side effects, unlike illegal recreation drugs. The truth, however, is that many painkillers, such as OxyContin, are opiate-based. The street drug heroin is also an opiate and, many times, an addiction or abuse of a prescription narcotic painkiller translates into a heroin habit.

“Young people are crushing and snorting prescription drugs and they move on to heroin and it’s not just taken intravenously anymore,” DeWitt said. “I was told it’s $50 a pill for OxyContin, and $5 a bag for heroin. Heroin addiction is the number one treatment in Connecticut.”
According to DeWitt, the number one heroin-addicted patient in Connecticut is a white, suburban male between 18 and 24 years old. She told the audience that it was important to become a teen influencer and to talk to the kids about the risks of prescription drug abuse, just like you would talk to a teenager about other drugs or alcohol.

Prescription Abuse Rehab Reference Center offers a free no obligation assessment to help our counselors determine a proper rehab facility for your particular situation – Click here for Assessment.  If you need immediate assistance, call toll free at (877) 502-1065.

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