This is not about a teen mistakenly taking the wrong medication or dose. This is about the intentional use of a drug to get high. Aside from the mistaken idea that medicine is safe, what has led to the increased abuse in our youth?
Availability: There are many prescription and over-the-counter drugs that have potential for abuse. They are being used more frequently and are readily available.
Access: The drugs are easy to get. They can be purchased on the Internet, taken from the family medicine cabinet or purchased from friends.
Awareness: The visibility of these drugs has increased through television advertisements. Teens have also learned to access information about using and mixing these drugs for a "personalized effect" on the Internet.
Attitude: teens believe that since these drugs have a medical use, they are less risky than illegal drugs.
Reducing risks
Some ways to reduce the risk of prescription and OTC drug abuse in your home:
-Make your expectations and values clear by setting a good example. Always use prescription and OTC drugs as directed.
-Take inventory of the drugs stored in your home. Properly destroy unused or outdated medication.
-Monitor Internet use in your home. It is easy for anyone to purchase prescription drugs or access information about mixing drugs.
-Of course, the most important thing you can do is talk to your kids about the risks of abusing prescription or OTC drugs. Let them know that using any medicine other than directed is just as dangerous as using an illegal drug.
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