Prescription Drugs and Our Youth

Teenage Drug Abuse

More young people have been arriving to Narconon with a prescription drug addiction in recent years.  Quite often the addiction begins innocently with a legitimate prescription and eventually, or in some cases, quickly, escalates into full drug abuse.  Drugs like Oxycontin and Vicodin can be so addictive that a person does not realize they have a problem until their prescription runs out and they become uncomfortable.  It is easier to convince oneself and the doctor that the drug is still needed than to simply stop.  With so many doctors willing to write prescriptions for controlled substance, a young person can easily continue to take their medication “as prescribed” only to find themselves with a full blown drug addiction

According to this study, investigators found that twice as many young people are prescribed controlled substances than 15 years ago.   There is no question that many are getting addicted.  The real question is, what is happening to these youth who are in trouble and how to they know where to turn to for help?

Only a few lucky ones at this point are diverted to drug treatment.  We need a study dedicated to determining how we can find these kids and offer them help.

If we don’t do this now, the future generation will be saddled with a problem more severe than it is now.

“Twice as many young people are getting prescriptions for controlled substances than had been 15 years ago, Reuters reported Nov. 29.

Investigators led by Robert J. Fortuna, MD, of the University of Rochester’s Strong Children’s Research Center in New York, assessed U.S. prescription trends for 15- to 29-year-olds based on 2007 survey data from more than 8,000 physicians, clinics, and emergency departments. They then compared results with similar data from 1994.

Analysis revealed that more than 11 percent of teenagers received prescriptions for controlled medications (including Oxycontin, Vicodin, Ritalin, and sedatives) in 2007, up from 6 percent in 1994. A similar trend was seen for young adults, where the prescription rate for such drugs rose from 8 to 16 percent over the same time period.

As noted by Fortuna, the rise does not necessarily mean the drugs are being diverted or abused. However, teenagers and college students are much more likely than adults to use prescription drugs recreationally and to pass them on to others.

“Physicians need to have open discussions with patients about the risks and benefits of using controlled medications, including the potential for misuse and diversion,” he said.”

Narconon Of Georgia provides free drug information.

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