NCJ Number
221358
Date Published
January 2008
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This report provides an overview of the prevalence, characteristics, and effects of teen use of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.
Abstract
National studies and published reports indicate that the abuse of prescription and OTC drugs to get high is an increasing concern in the United States, particularly among teens. Finding showed that more young people ages 12-17 abuse prescription drugs than any illicit drug except marijuana. The majority of teens who abuse prescription drugs have easy and free access to them, primarily through friend and relatives. Teens are abusing some OTC cough and cold medicines to get high, which is especially troubling because of the ease of access to theses drugs. Although overall teen drug use is down significantly nationwide in recent years, teens have turned to abusing prescription drugs because many believe the myth that they provide a "safe" high and they are accessible in the context of a legitimate market. The prescription drugs most often abused by teens are painkillers, depressants such as sleeping pills or anti-anxiety drugs, and stimulants that are mainly prescribed to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Regarding the effects of the abuse of prescription and OTC drugs, there has been a significant increase in the number of poisonings and even deaths associated with the abuse of prescription and OTC drugs. Some teens use prescription and OTC drugs with alcohol or other drugs, which could lead to dangerous drug interactions and other serious medical consequences. Although parents are in a position to reduce teen access to prescription drugs, many parents are not aware of teen prescription drug abuse. Teens say their parents are not discussing the dangers of the abuse of these drugs with them. Research shows that parental disapproval is an effective means of keeping teens from abusing drugs. 17 annotated references