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Youth

Teen Prescription Drug Abuse: A Growing Concern in the US

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Teenagers are increasingly abusing prescription medications, and parents play a crucial role in preventing this issue. According to a recent report, 41% of teens believe that abusing prescription drugs is safer than taking illegal drugs, while one in five high school students has taken a prescription drug not prescribed for them. To combat this problem, the National Association of School Nurses and PriCara, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., have partnered to develop a new web site that educates and empowers parents, teens, and educators to get smart about teen prescription drug abuse.

Key Takeaways:

  • 41% of teens mistakenly believe that abusing prescription medications is safer than taking illegal drugs.
  • One in five high school students has taken a prescription drug not prescribed for them, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  • 2,500 young people use a prescription pain reliever to get high for the first time every day.
  • The most commonly abused prescription drugs among teens are painkillers, stimulants, and depressants, which are often easily accessible in medicine cabinets.
  • 65% of teens report getting prescription pain relievers from family or friends, and 3 out of 5 teens say that prescription medications are easy to get from a parent's medicine cabinet.
  • Parents can be more influential than they realize in preventing teen prescription drug abuse, and simple actions like keeping medications locked away and having open conversations with their children can make a significant difference.
  • The new web site, , features an interactive quiz, myth-busting facts, take-action tips, and educational videos featuring Dr. Drew, as well as materials for educators and school nurses to teach students about this topic.

Statistics:

  • 41% of teens mistakenly believe that abusing prescription medications is safer than taking illegal drugs (According to a report by Pharmacist's Letter)
  • 20% of high school students have used prescription medications not prescribed for them (According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
  • 2,500 young people use a prescription pain reliever to get high for the first time every day (According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health)
  • 65% of teens report getting prescription pain relievers from family or friends (According to a report by the National Association of School Nurses)
  • 3 out of 5 teens say that prescription medications are easy to get from a parent's medicine cabinet (According to a report by the National Association of School Nurses)

Sources:

  • U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (no publication date)
  • Pharmacist's Letter (no publication date)
  • National Survey on Drug Use and Health (no publication date)
  • National Association of School Nurses (no publication date)
  • PriCara, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (no publication date)

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