Teen Prescription Drug Abuse

Although teens are turning away from street drugs, there is a new threat – the family medicine cabinet and the abuse of prescription and over-the-counter drugs (OTC).

Discuss the subject with your teenagers. See what your kids know about peers using medications without doctor’s orders. As with street drugs, express clear disapproval of prescription and OTC drug abuse to ensure your teen knows exactly where you stand.

Safeguarding Medications

• Start by taking note of how many pills are in each of your prescription bottles or pill packets.
• Keep track of your refills. This goes for your own medication, as well as for your teens and other members of the household. If you find you need to refill your medication more often than expected that could indicate a problem.
• If your teen has been prescribed a drug, be sure you control the medication, and monitor dosages and refills.
• If possible, keep all medicines, both prescription and over-the-counter, in a safe place, such as a locked cabinet your teen cannot access.
• When medicines are no longer needed, dispose of them promptly and safely, using local drug disposal programs.
• Make sure your friends and relatives—especially grandparents—are also aware of the risks. Encourage them to regularly monitor their own medicine cabinets.
• Talk to the parents of your teenager’s friends. Encourage them to secure their prescriptions.

Want to share this information with others? See our brochure.

Signs of Potential Prescription Drug Abuse

What to look for:

Pain Reliever Abuse

•    Constricted pupils
•    Nausea and vomiting
•    Respiratory depression

Stimulant Abuse

•    Anxiety
•    Delusions
•    Flushed skin
•    Chest pain with heart palpitations

Depressant Abuse

•    Slurred speech
•    Dizziness
•    Respiratory depression