Why do young people misuse prescription drugs?
Taking prescription medication in a manner not prescribed (non-medical use) by a doctor is illegal, dangerous, and sometimes deadly. When it comes to prescription medication, young people often have a false sense of security that these drugs are safe. According to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America’s 18th Annual Tracking Survey, nearly one-third of teens believe there is “nothing wrong” with using prescription drugs “once in a while.” Two in fi ve teens think that taking someone else’s prescription drugs is safer than using illegal drugs. (“Generation Rx: National Study Confi rms Abuse of Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drugs,” The Partnership for a Drug-Free America, May 2005, www.drugfree.org) What can parents do? According to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, teens who learn about the risks of drugs from their parents are 50 percent less likely to use drugs. Make sure your children understand that: • Your family has rules about underage drinking and illegal use of pres
