Prescription Drug Prevention

Would You Know if Your Child Was Addicted to Prescription Drugs?

While illegal drug use among teens is falling, teen prescription drug abuse is on the rise. One in five teens has abused a prescription pain medication, and in Florida prescription drugs have killed 300% more Americans than illegal drugs.

Kids as young as 12 are trying or using prescription drugs for non-medical reasons. Many of them think these drugs are safe because prescription pills have legitimate uses, but taking them without a prescription to get high or "self-medicate" can be as dangerous – and addictive – as using street narcotics and other illicit drugs. This mistaken thinking causes kids who wouldn't otherwise use illicit drugs to form addictions to prescription drug.

Prescription drugs are easier for kids to get than are illicit drugs – mostly from their parents’ medicine cabinets, but also from friends’ homes, internet pharmacies or classmates. Some signs that your child might be abusing include personality changes, social withdrawal, a change in appearance or erratic behavior.

What Parents Can Do

• Monitor your medicine cabinets. Count how many pills you have and make note of the date when you should expect to refill your prescriptions. Be aware that kids may obtain these drugs from medicine cabinets while visiting friends or family. Restrict the availability of these substances within your home.
• Talk with your child about drug use. Help him or her understand that misused prescription drugs can be just as dangerous as street drugs. When used in combination with other substances, such as alcohol, prescription drug use can be fatal.
• Attend a "drug take back program" to rid your home of useless or expired medications.

What to do if Your Child has a Problem

If you find that your child is abusing prescription drugs, or any other drug for that matter, seek help from your family doctor, local law enforcement or local rehabilitation centers.