The University of Maine published some interesting facts regarding prescription use with teens in the United States.One of the fastest growing trends with teenage prescription drug abuse is the Pharm Party. These are parties where each person brings bottles of prescription medications that they can find to a party where the medications are then put into a punch bowl for everybody to take like candy. Other names for this are “skittling” and fish bowling”.
Nearly one in five teens report abusing prescription medications to get high.
Teens are misusing everything from pain relievers to stimulants, sedatives and tranquilizers. Many teens believe that prescription drugs are safer than alcohol or illicit
According to results taken from the 2006 Maine Youth Drug and Alcohol Use Survey, an average of 12% of teenagers from grade 6 through 12 across the state reported experimenting with prescription drugs.
Youth prescription drug abuse is a serious problem. About 1 in 5 Maine youth grades 9-12 report having used a prescription drug not prescribed to them to get high. Non-medical use of prescription drugs is the second most popular category of drug abuse after marijuana.
What Can Parents Do to Reduce Prescription Abuse or Misuse?
- Do not keep medications stockpiled in your home and keep careful track of your prescriptions
- Talk with your child about the dangers of using prescription medications that are not prescribed by a doctor
- Utilize local prescription mail-back or collection programs to dispose of your unused/unwanted medications
