Download Just as dangerous - the Drug Free Coalition of Hall County

Just as dangerous
Some facts to be aware of:
Next to marijuana, the most common illegal drugs teens
are abusing are prescription medications.3
20% of U.S. high school students say they have taken
prescription drugs without consulting a doctor.3
1 in 3 teens say there is “nothing wrong” with abusing
prescription medications “every once in a while.”3
70% of prescription drugs teens abuse come from family
and friends – specifically, their medicine cabinets. 2
Prescription Drug Abuse is on the Rise
An alarming trend is emerging. Every day, more than 4,000
children and young adults begin experimenting with
prescription drugs.1 These drugs range from pain relievers
and depressants to stimulants and over-the-counter (OTC)
medicine.
Adolescents believe that since the medicines were
prescribed by a doctor, they provide an inexpensive, legal
and “medically safe high.” In the case of OTC remedies,
most children have been given these medicines by their
parents for common illnesses, such as fevers, colds and
coughs. So, teens believe it is safe to take these drugs
whenever they choose.
Education is one way step towards prevention; so educate yourself and those
you know on the dangers of prescription drug abuse. Another way to combat
this issue is to engage in proper storage and disposal practices when dealing
with prescription and over the counter drugs.
Do you know where your medications are going?
DRUG FREE COALITION OF HALL COUNTY
711 Green Street, Gainesville, GA 30501
770-534-1080 x277
www.faceitpeople.org
Sources:
1 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2008. Calculated from detail table 4.11.
2 Office of National Drug Control Policy. Prescription for Danger. January 2008.
3 National Council on Patient Information and Education. Maximizing Your Role as Teen Influencer: What You Can Do to Help Prevent Drug Abuse. November 2009.