Michigan teens top abusers of prescription drugs
A new federal report finds that Michigan has one of the highest rates of teen prescription drug abuse in the country.
An estimated 12 percent of teens acknowledge abuse of prescription drugs, especially pain relievers, with some saying they believe they’re safer to use than street drugs.
“Teen prescription drug abuse is on the rise, and Michigan is a hot spot. Teens mistakenly feel ’safer’ abusing prescription drugs,” said Scott Burns, deputy director for state, local, and tribal affairs at Office of National Drug Control Policy. “And teens are not likely getting these pills from stereotypical drug dealers, but from relatives and friends.”
Although millions of Americans benefit from the proper use of prescription drugs, they can be dangerous when taken without medical supervision or mixed with other drugs or alcohol. Teens who abuse prescription drugs to get high can suffer serious consequences including, addiction, strokes, seizures, comas, and even death.
“These are powerful drugs — powerful healers if used as prescribed — but dangerous to our Detroit youth if they’re popping pills for a thrill,” said Dr. Calvin Trent, Director of the Detroit Bureau of Substance Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery. “Teens need to understand that abusing prescription drugs is risky, and parents need to realize that this is a growing trend with young people today.”
In the last five years, overall illicit drug use among teens has dropped by 23 percent nationally, but teen prescription drug abuse is an emerging concern with new users of prescription drugs catching up with new users of marijuana. Prescription drugs are now the second most commonly used drug teens use to get high, behind marijuana.
For more information about what parents can do and should know about teen prescription drug abuse, visit the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign’s Web site for parents.