After marijuana, over-the-counter and prescription drug abuse account for the most commonly abused drugs by teens.
How do kids get these drugs? They often steal them from their parents, buy them off another kid, or get them for a broken arm or leg – and then continue to take them after their bones are healed.
Additionally, and another terrible fact, is that kids can also get them from rehab centers which use Methadone, Suboxone, or other drugs to try to wean an addict off drugs. Failing all the above, kids can buy or steal large amounts of over the counter cough or cold medicines from drug stores to use to get high.
Some of the most commonly abused prescription or over-the-counter drugs are: Vicodin, Xanax, Concerta, Adderall, Ritalin, Morphine, Methadone, Oxycontin, Percocet, Codeine, Valium, Nyquil, Ambien, Sonata, Lunesta, and Seconal.
Often kids get started on these kinds of drugs because they are easy to access and people are already doing them as prescribed by their doctor.
Here are some great prevention methods you can use with your kid:
1. Educate them on what prescription drugs are. Many (like Adderall, Ritalin, Morphine, Oxycontin, Ambien, etc) are powerful – often mind-altering drugs which can become addictive. Additionally, over-the-counter medications are for a specific illness, and when abused can cause body parts (like the kidney) to deteriorate swiftly.
2. Keep prescription drugs in a locked cabinet.
3. Get rid of old drugs by finding your local disposal facility. This way neither you nor your kids are tempted to use the drug up.
We have recently teamed up with Friends of Narconon to help educate kids about drugs. Contact us to see if we can help you educate your child about this prevalent issue in our schools today.
If you suspect your child or a friend may be abusing prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal drugs, we can help. Contact us today at (877) 850-7355.
