Prescription Drug Abuse, a Growing Concern for Teens

Facts About Prescription Drug Abuse

• 207 million opioid prescriptions were dispensed by U.S. retail pharmacies in 2013.
• Every day in the United States, an average of 2,000 teenagers use prescription drugs without a doctor’s guidance for the first time.
• Youth who abuse prescription medications are more likely to report use of other drugs (NIDA).
• In 2013, 18.4% of high school students in Illinois reported taking prescription drugs without a doctor’s prescription during their lifetime, compared to 14.9% in 2011 (U.S. Centers for Disease Control Youth Risk Behavior Survey).
• Deaths from opioid pain relievers exceed those from all illegal drugs.

Abuse of Prescription Pain Medication May Lead to Heroin Use

Opioid pain medications such as Oxycontin and Vicodin have effects similar to heroin when taken in doses or in ways other than prescribed, and research now suggests that abuse of these drugs may open the door to heroin abuse because heroin is cheaper and easier to obtain than prescription opioids.

How Can You Help Prevent Prescription Drug Abuse?

• Ask your doctor or pharmacist about your medication if you are unsure of its effects.
• Keep your doctor informed of all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications.
• Read the information your pharmacist provides before starting to take medications.
• Take your medications only as prescribed.
• Keep all prescription medications secured at all times and properly dispose of any unused medications.

For more Drug Facts, visit www.rosecrance.org/resources-parents

For information on Rosecrance’s opiate detox and treatment for teens, visit www.rosecrance.org/rosecrance-adds-detox-services-teens-adolescent-campus-license-state.