Prescription Drug Abuse Campaign Launched
Office of National Drug Control Policy, in conjunction with several medical organizations, has published an open letter to parents in 43 national and regional newspapers.
The statistics provided include:
Every day, 2500 kids age 12 to 17 try a painkiller for the first time.
Prescription drugs are the drugs of choice for 12 and 13 year olds.
Teens abuse prescription drugs more than any illicit street drug except marijuana.
The advice for parents includes:
Safeguard all drugs at home. Monitor quantities and control access.
Set clear rules for teens about all drug use, including not sharing medicine and always following the medical provider’s advice and dosages.
Be a good role model by following the same rules with your own medicines.
Properly conceal and dispose of old or unused medicines in the trash.
Ask friends and family to safeguard their prescription drugs as well.
The DaytaTree Team