PainSAFE
Teens and Abuse
The Partnership for a Drug-Free America maintains that one in five teens has abused a prescription pain medication, stimulant or tranquilizer. Most teens obtain the drugs they abuse from family and friends – often stealing prescriptions from a medicine cabinet. Besides prescription drugs, teens are using over-the-counter cough and cold medicines to get high, sometimes downing entire bottles.
Unfortunately, many teens don’t understand they are playing with fire. A 2007 study by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America and the MetLife Foundation found that 40% of teens and 37% of parents think teen abuse of prescription painkillers is safer than teen abuse of illicit street drugs. This is not the case.
It is important to talk to children about drug abuse of all kinds. Create a positive, loving environment at home and watch for signs of excess stress or depression that can lead to drug abuse. Listen to your children’s concerns with empathy. Set clear boundaries and expectations. For example: “If there are drugs at the party, call me, and I will pick you up.” Know where your children are and whom they are with. Always lock up your own prescriptions.
http://www.drugfree.org
http://www.parentsempowered.org
Unfortunately, many teens don’t understand they are playing with fire. A 2007 study by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America and the MetLife Foundation found that 40% of teens and 37% of parents think teen abuse of prescription painkillers is safer than teen abuse of illicit street drugs. This is not the case.
It is important to talk to children about drug abuse of all kinds. Create a positive, loving environment at home and watch for signs of excess stress or depression that can lead to drug abuse. Listen to your children’s concerns with empathy. Set clear boundaries and expectations. For example: “If there are drugs at the party, call me, and I will pick you up.” Know where your children are and whom they are with. Always lock up your own prescriptions.
More Information
http://www.drugfree.org
http://www.parentsempowered.org