Prevention:
Teen Abuse of Prescription
Drugs
Support for this project was provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury
Prevention and Control, under contract number 200-2012-M-52649.
®
© 2013 National Safety Council
A Growing Trend
• Abuse of prescription drugs not
prescribed for the teen taking them is a
growing trend in the U.S.
• Many teens believe prescription drugs
are not as dangerous as illegal drugs
• Approximately 1 out of every 5 teens
has taken prescription drugs not
prescribed for them
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A Growing Trend
• This trend spans across geographic,
racial, ethnic and socioeconomic
populations
• When medicines are used for anything
other then their intended and approved
purpose, they can be just as
dangerous as illegal street drugs
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Reasons for use
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Manage and regulate their lives
Increase energy
Increase ability to focus
Cope with academic, social or
emotional stress
• Lose weight or “bulk up”
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Risks
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Addiction
Overdose
Exhaustion and/or confusion
Abnormal heart rhythms
Psychosis- with addiction or withdrawal
Prevent learning of healthy coping skills
Study Drugs
• Stimulant medications or
amphetamines typically prescribed for
treatment of ADHD
• Students without ADHD take these
drugs to stay awake or improve test
scores
• Parents’ awareness does not match
self-reported use by teens (UM, 2013)
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Prescription Pain Medications
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Opioids prescribed to relieve pain
Includes Vicodin, Percocet, Morphine
Long-term use can lead to addiction
Should not be taken with other
substances, such as alcohol or
benzodiazepines
Anti-Anxiety Drugs
• Benzodiazepines are CNS
depressants, also known as sedatives
or tranquilizers
• Typically prescribed to treat anxiety or
sleep disorders & panic attacks
• Includes Valium and Xanax
• Long-term use can lead to addiction
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Prevention
• Begin efforts early in life
• By age 9, children have opinions about
substance use
• Parents should stay connected with
their children, share information and
encourage healthy behaviors
• Positive self-esteem, a supportive
family, and positive role models help
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Additional Resources
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www.cdc.gov
www.drugabuse.gov
www.nsc.org
www.umich.edu/research.php
http://medicineabuseproject.org
Support for this project was provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, under contract number
200-2012-M-52649.
© 2013 National Safety Council
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Who is NSC?
Our Mission:
The National Safety Council saves lives
by preventing injuries and deaths at
work, in homes and communities,
and on the roads through leadership,
research, education and advocacy.
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