Teens trade street drugs for what they can find in the bathroom medicine cabinet.
It’s not the street corner but the bathroom down the hall where many teens are picking up some of their favorite drugs today.
Prescription drugs have become the second most popular drug after marijuana among 12- to 17-year-olds, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA). What’s worse, the drugs are often taken in high volume or in conjunction with alcohol to achieve the desired high. Painkillers such as OxyContin and Vicodin are among the most popular choices.
“Over 45 percent of 12- to 17-year-olds who abuse prescription pain relievers get them for free from a friend or relative,” SAMSHA says. Another 11 percent of these teens buy them from friends or relatives, and an additional 10 percent take them from friends or relatives without asking.” A small number of teens use online drugstores that illegally sell medications without a prescription.
Pharming: A New Prescription Med Trend
It’s called “pharming” – trading prescriptions and over-the-counter medications – and it’s become a popular method of facilitation. Why has it grown so fast? One reason may be that young people often believe prescription drugs are safer than street drugs, and many are unaware of the deadly affects of mixing them with alcohol, of the potential for overdose and of the dangers of driving a vehicle under the influence.
What can parents and concerned adults do? We’re vigilant about illegal drugs and warn kids regularly about drinking and driving, but this new issue needs to be addressed, too. “Keep an eye out for prescription drugs that young people should not be taking,” SAMSHA recommends. “[And] warn your kids about the harm that can result from abusing prescription drugs.” This is one case where what they don’t know, CAN hurt them.
Tags: Illegal Drugs, Over-the-counter Medication, OxyContin, Pharming, Prescription Drugs, Prescription Pain Relievers, SAMSHA, Teen Drug Use, Vicodin
