Prescription Drug Addiction in Teens
Approximately twenty percent of people in the United States abuse some form of prescription drugs. This is an alarming number that parents especially should be mindful of. Our specialists will help find solutions for parents who are in despair.
There are three categories of drugs that teens typically find at home: Narcotic painkillers, sedatives and tranquilizers, finally stimulants. All of these can cause addiction.
Why Teens Will Abuse Prescription Drugs
There are various reasons why teens will abuse prescription drugs, some use it to get high because they think it is a safe way to get high, some self-medicate by carelessly take or offer prescribed painkillers. Another reason teens will abuse prescription drugs is to help them focus and study.
Teens are generally poorly informed especially if they are getting cues from their peers. They have the mindset that if they take prescription drugs found at home then it is better than using illicit drugs. Prescription drugs are as dangerous if not more sometimes than the illicit drugs.
The lack of information regarding these drugs makes them dangerous. Teens will use a drug under the false pretense that it is safer not realizing that There are some severe short-term and long-term health issues that arise comes with using incorrectly or using someone else's medication. It is dangerous to use prescribed medication incorrectly as well as using someone else's medication.
Most Abused Prescription Drugs
The most abused prescription drugs are as follow: Opioids such as Oxycontin, Vicodin; depressant such as Valium and Xanax; Stimulants such as Adderall and Concerta. Parents with teens and adolescents who have these drugs at home should monitor their usage to keep their teens from abusing them.
Among teens who are 12 to 17 years old, 7.4 percent reported having used some form of prescription drugs that weren't theirs. A survey was conducted and has shown that 17 and 18 years old teens commonly abuse prescription drugs even more so than marijuana, tobacco or alcohol. Parents should be concerned if not alarmed.
To read more about the causes, signs and symptoms, and treatment for addiction (whether a substance addiction or a behavioral addiction); see our about addiction page.