Parent Alert
Teen Prescription Drug Use
by Shirley Sliter
March 17, 2008
There are three classes of prescription drugs that are most commonly abused by teenagers:
- Painkillers-(prescribed to treat pain)including codeine, morphine, Vicodin, Tylenol with codeine, OxyContin and Percocet.
- Depressants--(prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep disorders) including barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and brands such as Nembutal, Soma, Valium, and Xanax.
- Stimulants (mainly prescribed to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD, including amphetamines, and brands such as Adderall, Concerta, Dexedrine, and Ritalin.
According to statistics from Anti-Drug coalitions of America, teens abuse prescription drugs more than any illicit drug except marijuana. Among 12-13 year olds, prescription drugs are their drug of choice.
Please visit the parent page at www.TheAntiDrug.com for more information and updates about this alarming problem . Additional web site information is available at www.doseofprevention.org
A Family Guide to Keeping Youth Mentally Healthy and Drug-Free is available at www.family.samhsa.gov