Is a Teen You Know Abusing Prescription Drugs?
Just when you thought you had covered the bases with your students or teenagers about drugs and alcohol, you are hit with a new trend in drug abuse: prescription drug abuse. Unfortunately, prescription drug abuse is on the rise among our youth. Data from the 2002 National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows the second most popular category of drug use after marijuana is the non-medical use of prescription drugs. Remember, taking prescription drugs without a doctor's approval and supervision can .be a dangerous - even deadly - decision.
What can you do to prevent prescription drug abuse? Once again, the answer is simple: Talk to your kids. Let them know that you oppose all illicit drug use - including prescription and "over the counter" (OTC) drug use. Monitor their behavior by randomly checking up on them to make sure they are where they say they are. Know their friends and their friends' families.
Parents, it's time for you to take inventory in your own home. Keep your prescription medications out of reach. They should not be in a place where your kids or their friends can find them Put them in a safe place where only you have access. Move your Toe medications to a safe place as well. Just as you do for alcohol, make a note of the levels in each bottle.
At school and at home, monitor the Web sites that children visit. Some teens actually order medications via Web sites (or "pill mills") that are not monitored by the FDA. These sites are sometimes in countries outside of the United States. Be sure to review the history trail on computers and carefully track where teens are making purchases on the Web.
What are the signs of abuse? The symptoms are pretty obvious: slurred speech, staggering walk, sweating, nausea, vomiting, numbness of extremities, dilated pupils, drowsiness, and dizziness.
What can you say to teens? If a teen shows any signs of drug abuse, ask questions immediately - then talk calmly with them about the risks of abuse. Parents should make it a rule that teens should never take prescription drugs unless a physician prescribes them
.
