Although we often hear about young people abusing “street” drugs, such as marijuana and methamphetamine, prescription medicines have become the second most frequently abused type of drug among 12- to 17-year-olds.¹ In fact, most teens (56 percent, or 13.4 million) find that prescription medicines are easier to get than illegal drugs.²

With these drugs in easy reach, “pharming”—swapping prescription and/or over-the-counter medications and taking them all at once, often with alcohol, to get high—has become a popular and dangerous trend among teens.

How Do Kids Get Medicines That Weren’t Prescribed to Them?

The overwhelming majority of teens obtain prescription drugs through people they know. Research tells us that over 45 percent of 12- to 17-year-olds who abuse prescription pain relievers get them for free from a friend or relative.³ Another 11 percent of these teens buy them from friends or relatives, and an additional 10 percent take them from friends or relatives without asking.⁴

Sometimes young people buy prescription drugs from strangers, including drug dealers. A smaller number of teens buy prescription drugs on the Internet. While some pharmacy Web sites are legitimate, others illegally sell medications without requiring a prescription. Almost anyone with a computer and a credit card can get prescription drugs online even if they never see a doctor.⁵

What to do?

• Learn about the abuse of prescription drugs.
• Look for opportunities to talk with your child about prescription drug abuse and other substance abuse issues. Medication is advertised widely in our society, but more medicine doesn’t always mean healthier, happier people. When you see ads and television shows that suggest there’s a pill for every ill, discuss them with your child.
• Store prescription medications in your home in a safe place where your kids or their friends can’t find them. Throw out unused and old medication. Encourage relatives and family friends to do the same.
• Get to know your child’s friends and what they like to do, so you can be alerted to unusual hangouts or activities. Also get acquainted with their parents so you can create a “network” of adults whom you trust to monitor your child’s safety at all times.
• Be aware of your child’s online activities and monitor your accounts for purchases from online pharmacies. Be aware of the letters and packages your child receives by mail.

Use of prescription drugs has grown considerably in recent years and so has the abuse of medications that were designed to help people. Prescription drugs are powerful and should be taken only as directed by a doctor. Monitor your child’s activities to make sure that she’s not getting medicines that can harm her.

Sources

Additional Resources

The National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign: Where Do Teens Get Rx Drugs?

The Partnership for a Drug-Free America: Prescription Medication Abuse: A Growing Problem

Freevibe.com: Prescription Drug Abuse