Did you know that that 12 year olds and 18 to 25 year olds have the highest rates of prescription drug abuse? So why do teens and young adult abuse Rx medication?

  • They want to get a feeling of euphoria, to get “high.”
  • They don’t think that Rx medication is dangerous.
  • They don’t think they can get addicted to prescription drugs.
  • Peer pressure – They want to fit in with friends and feel accepted.
  • It is easier to get prescription drugs than illegal drugs.
  • They think prescription drugs are safer to use than illegal drugs.
  • They think it is okay to use prescription drugs.

 

It is important to know and recognize the signs of prescription drug abuse.

Here are some typical signs and symptoms of prescription drug abuse:

  • Appearing tired or drowsy, red or glazed eyes
  • Sleepiness
  • Slurred speech or a marked difference in speech patterns
  • Secretiveness and withdrawing from family
  • Mood swings
  • Difficulty focusing during a conversation
  • Seems “out of it”
  • Irritable and/or anxious
  • Increased or decreased or irregular heart rate
  • Increased or decreased rate of breathing
  • Increased or decreased blood pressure
  • High body temperature
  • Lack of coordination
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Sudden mood changes
  • Any dramatic change in behavior where you feel your teen is just not them self
  • Missing prescription medicines from your medicine cabinet
  • Additional filled prescriptions on your pharmacy record that you did not fill

 

Some of these signs and symptoms can be warning signs of legitimate medical conditions. It is important to have your son or daughter evaluated by his or her doctor.

Prescription drug abuse is serious. The short term affects of substance abuse can be devastating and the long term affects are unknown for many prescription medications.

If you suspect your son is abuse prescription medication, please contact Triumph Youth Service. Our staff is knowledgeable and dedicated to helping young men turn their lives around.

The staff members at Triumph Youth Services are trained and encouraged to be effective leaders by serving as teachers or coaches who hold the young men responsible for working on problems and to act as limit setters and good listeners.

Please call us today. We can help your son.

Reference
http://www.talkaboutrx.org/not_worth_the_risk.jsp (NCPIE Partners with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to Prevent Teen Prescription Medicine Abuse)

http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/high-school-youth-trends