Prescriptions

Parents:

Prescription drugs are one of the fastest growing drug trends in the country. A recent study of Nebraska students found that nearly 1 in 10 admitted to abusing these substances.

What’s the danger?

Nebraska state patrol data from 2009 revealed that there were more fatalities from prescription drug overdoses than from traffic fatalities in Douglas and Sarpy counties. Nationally, 2,500 teens begin abusing pain relievers every day. These drugs are easy to access. In fact, 70% of those who admit to abusing prescription drugs admit they obtain them from friends or relatives.

What you can do:

• Safeguard all prescriptions
  • Monitor quantities
  • Control daily access
• Set clear Rules
  • No medication sharing
  • Inform relatives
• Properly dispose of old medications
  • Follow FDA disposal guidelines
  • No flushing unless indicated by prescription
  • Mix in coffee grounds or cat litter
• Protect your family
  • Remove identification information
  Educate yourself & caregivers

Source: Parents-The Anti-Drug

Youth:

Prescription drug abuse is a rapidly growing among your peers; learn the facts and protect yourself.

Overdose deaths related to prescription drug abuse rose 84% in the United States between 1999 and 2004.

Source: Center for Disease Control

More than 29% of young people in treatment have addictions to various types of prescription drugs. The number of treatment admissions related to prescription drugs increased 300% between 1995 and 2005.

Source: Substance Abuse &Mental Health Services Administration

Painkillers like Vicodin and OxyContin have the same impact on the brain as heroin. These powerful medications must be taken under close doctor supervision.

Source: NIDA

Abusing prescription drugs before the age of 16 leads to greater risk of dependence later in life.

Source: Substance Abuse &Mental Health Services Administration

More links to check out information on Prescription Drugs:

Prescription Drug Abuse Brochure - Parents and Kids
Prescription Drug Abuse Brochure - Seniors
Preventing Teen Prescription Drug Abuse Fact Sheet
Disposal of Prescription Drugs - Take Away Program
American Medicine Chest Challenge
How to Dispose of Unused Medicine
Take a Dose of Truth
Prescription Pain Relievers - PDFA
Prescription Stimulants - PDFA
Prescription Sedatives and Tranquilizers - PDFA
OxyContin - PDFA
OxyContin - DEA
Ritalin - PDFA
Ritalin - DEA
Hydrocodone - DEA
DXM (cough suppressant) - PDFA
Morphine - DEA
Above the Influence - prescription drugs
Above the Influence - prescription drugs online
Above the Influence - over-the-counter drugs
National Institue on Drug Abuse - prescription drugs
Office of National Drug Control Policy - prescription drugs

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Marijuana

Parents:

There are many myths surrounding marijuana use. Protect yourself and your kids by knowing all the facts.

Myth-Marijuana is harmless

Fact-Marijuana is the most commonly abused substance among teens and is more powerful than ever before. Marijuana use leads to impaired judgment and increased risky behavior. Researchers at Columbia University found that teens who use drugs are five times more likely to have sex than those not using.

Source: Parents-The Anti-Drug

Myth-Marijuana is not addictive

Fact-Every year more teens enter treatment with marijuana addiction than all other illegal drugs combined.

Source: Parents-The Anti-Drug

Myth-Marijuana use isn’t common among teens

Fact-Marijuana is the drug of choice for most young people. Nearly 1 in 5 Nebraska teenagers have admitted to using marijuana. The usage rate among males is slightly higher than with females.

Source: Nebraska Risk &Protective Factors Survey

Youth:

Myth-Marijuana is natural so there’s nothing wrong with using it

Fact-Just because something grows naturally does not mean there are no dangerous side effects. Today’s marijuana is twice as powerful as it was 20 years ago. In some cases marijuana is laced with acid, PCP, or formaldehyde.

Source: Above the Influence

Myth-There are no long term consequences associated with marijuana use.

Fact-Marijuana can cause serious problems with your health and lead to serious mental and learning problems. It can lead to risky decision-making that could result in serious legal consequences. Athletes may be kicked off a team and musicians may be left out of performances. In other cases you may lose your driver’s license, ability to apply for a student loan in college, or be turned down for a job.

Source: Above the Influence

Myth-You can’t get addicted to marijuana

Fact-Every year more young people check into treatment with a marijuana addiction than for all other illicit drugs combined.

Source: Above the Influence

Myth-Everyone’s doing it

Fact-83% of Nebraska teenagers have NEVER used marijuana. That means the majority of your classmates are not using marijuana.

Source: Nebraska Risk & Protective Factors Survey

More Links to check out information on Marijuana:

Marijuana Info
DEA - Marijuana
National Institute on Drug Abuse - Marijuana
National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens - Marijuana
Above the Influence - Marijuana
ONDCP - Marijuana
PDFA - Marijuana