1dayatatime
04-21-2005, 03:31 PM
Teens More Likely To Hit Medicine Cabinet For Drug Fix
POSTED: 10:57 am EDT April 21, 2005
More young people have raided the medicine cabinet than have tried Ecstasy, cocaine, crack or LSD, according to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America.
A survey by the group found that American teenagers are more likely to get high on drugs like Vicodin and OxyContin than they are on a variety of illegal substances.
The group released a new survey that finds one of five teens has used a prescription painkiller for recreational use.
That translates to more than 4 million people. One in every 11 admitted abusing products like cough medicine.
Ten percent of the 7,300 teens in the survey had tried Ritalin or Adderall without a prescription.
The survey found the medicine cabinet offers easy access, and fewer than half of those surveyed were concerned there was a great risk.
On its Web site, the group says pills may have a perception of safety because they are easier to take than smoking pot or drinking alcohol and are professionally manufactured in a lab.
Four types of prescription medications that are commonly abused: pain relievers, stimulants, sedatives and tranquilizers, the group said.
The chairman of the anti-drug group, Roy Bostock, said, "Generation Rx has arrived."
The partnership said one easy way to prevent the abuse is to keep all prescription medication hidden. It also suggested adults should warn teens that taking prescription medications without a doctor's supervision can be just as dangerous and as potentially lethal as taking illicit drugs.
Distributed by Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may
POSTED: 10:57 am EDT April 21, 2005
More young people have raided the medicine cabinet than have tried Ecstasy, cocaine, crack or LSD, according to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America.
A survey by the group found that American teenagers are more likely to get high on drugs like Vicodin and OxyContin than they are on a variety of illegal substances.
The group released a new survey that finds one of five teens has used a prescription painkiller for recreational use.
That translates to more than 4 million people. One in every 11 admitted abusing products like cough medicine.
Ten percent of the 7,300 teens in the survey had tried Ritalin or Adderall without a prescription.
The survey found the medicine cabinet offers easy access, and fewer than half of those surveyed were concerned there was a great risk.
On its Web site, the group says pills may have a perception of safety because they are easier to take than smoking pot or drinking alcohol and are professionally manufactured in a lab.
Four types of prescription medications that are commonly abused: pain relievers, stimulants, sedatives and tranquilizers, the group said.
The chairman of the anti-drug group, Roy Bostock, said, "Generation Rx has arrived."
The partnership said one easy way to prevent the abuse is to keep all prescription medication hidden. It also suggested adults should warn teens that taking prescription medications without a doctor's supervision can be just as dangerous and as potentially lethal as taking illicit drugs.
Distributed by Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may