The concern over prescription drug abuse has been documented in many countries. The most astonishing thing is how many teens keep using prescription medication and believe that they can safely experiment with them.
Prescription drug abuse statistics
It’s believed in every 4 out of 10 teens report having taken some prescribed medication not meant for them while not even sick at least once in their lifetime. This according to research conducted for the partnership for drug-free kids.
Statistics show that 90% of high school students who abuse controlled prescriptions have a history of using other addictive drugs. Moreover, almost 15% of high school students have misused controlled perception medications beginning at 13 years of age.
But there is some good news, as teens & children who are counseled on the dangers of drug abuse are 50% less likely to use the drugs than those who don’t.
Know the drug being abused
To control any prescription drug abuse on the kids is crucial you know the types if drugs that the kids are using. This is in regard to kids aged 14 years and above use perceptions drug abuse such as
• Opioids (narcotics), like Vicodin, OxyContin, as well as Codeine
• Depressants, like Xanax, Valium and Ativan
• Stimulant amphetamines, including the ‘study drug’ favorite, Adderall, and Ritalin
The dangers associated with opiates are not limited to being excessively drowsy, constipated or nauseous. They can also cause coma and slows down breathing. Other drugs, such as depressants and amphetamines may cause breathing problems and issues with coordination, alertness and speech.
Substance abuse motivations
The second thing that parents have to check on is the teen’s motivation for using drugs, the root cause of the problem. Solving this is the way to stop future prescription drug abuse.
The common reasons why kids keep using drugs are to get high, ease stress and psychological pains as well as to enhance concentration.
Most males will abuse drugs for the rush as well as getting high.
Girls generally will abuse drugs for weight loss and for alertness.
Solution for parents
One of the solutions is to ensure all prescription medication in the home is under lock & key.
In addition, it is important to keep explaining the dangers associated with drug abuse, so kids will fear the pain of prescription drug abuse rather than use them as comfort.
The dangers associated with drug use? let’s take a look at deadly drug interactions.
One of them is potential for overdose that can cause brain damage as well as impaired metabolism.
There is also the chance of addiction to the drug. Prescription drugs can cause a lot potential risky behaviors, because the drug impairs judgment and self-control. This can cause the kids engages in unsafe sexual practices and/or drive while under the influence.
Lastly, the bottom line re. prescription drugs is that most are not intended for teen to use. Otherwise, they risk death as well as potentially deadly outcomes.