Michigan Ranks Among Top States In Nation In Teen Abuse Of Prescription Drugs

The White House Office of
National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) and local Detroit experts urged
parents today to take action against the alarmingly high rate of teen
prescription drug abuse in Michigan. The latest research shows that
Michigan has one of the highest rates of teen prescription drug abuse in
the country, as teens turn away from street drugs and use prescription
drugs to get high.


At 12 percent, Michigan ranks as one of the top States in past-year
prescription drug abuse among teens, who wrongly believe that they are
safer to use than street drugs. And though abuse of pain relievers (8%) has
declined slightly in the past few years among this group, the rate is still
slightly higher than the national average (7%).



"Teen prescription drug abuse is on the rise, and Michigan is a hot
spot. Teens mistakenly feel 'safer' abusing prescription drugs," said Scott
Burns, Deputy Director for State, Local, and Tribal Affairs at ONDCP,
speaking at a press conference. "And teens are not likely getting these
pills from stereotypical drug dealers, but from relatives and friends."



Although millions of Americans benefit from the proper use of
prescription drugs, they can be dangerous when taken without medical
supervision or mixed with other drugs or alcohol. Teens who abuse
prescription drugs to get high can suffer serious consequences including,
addiction, strokes, seizures, comas, and even death.



"These are powerful drugs -- powerful healers if used as prescribed --
but dangerous to our Detroit youth if they're popping pills for a thrill,"
said Dr. Calvin Trent, Director of the Detroit Bureau of Substance Abuse
Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery. "Teens need to understand that abusing
prescription drugs is risky, and parents need to realize that this is a
growing trend with young people today."



In the last five years, overall illicit drug use among teens has
dropped by 23 percent nationally, but teen prescription drug abuse is an
emerging concern. ONDCP recently released a White House Report, "Teens and
Prescription Drugs: An Analysis of Recent Trends on the Emerging Drug
Threat," outlining national trends which show that new users of
prescription drugs have now caught up with new users of marijuana.
Prescription drugs are now the second most commonly used drug teens use to
get high, behind marijuana. (The full report on "Teens and Prescription
Drugs: An Analysis of Recent Trends on the Emerging Drug Threat" can be
accessed at mediacampaign/teens)



Teens say prescription drugs are not only accessible, but also easy to
research and locate on the Internet. In fact, in Michigan and across the
Nation, teens are using technology, such as the Internet and text
messaging, to facilitate their drug use, and others are being exposed to
drugs through other technologies, such as chat rooms and social networking
sites. "Teens are using the Internet to 'get smart' about drug use," said
Burns. "They feel empowered by the Internet. Parents cannot let new
technologies and innovations get in the way of good parenting."
















Research shows that children who learn about these risks from their
parents are less likely to use drugs, but only one third of parents say
they have discussed the risks associated with the abuse of prescription
drugs and cough and cold medicines with their teens.



ONDCP is calling on Michigan parents to educate themselves about the
dangers of prescription drug abuse by taking some concrete steps to protect
their teen:


-- Keep track of quantities of prescription drugs in your own home, and
the homes of relatives;


-- Talk to the parents of your teen's friends and ensure they have the
same policy in their home;


-- Discard old and unused prescriptions;


-- Set and enforce clear rules about drug use, including prescription drug
abuse, and establish consequences for breaking the rules;


-- Tune into and learn about your teen's online activities, use of
technology, and exposure to pro-drug messages; and


-- Be observant and look for indications that your child may be abusing
prescription drugs.



For more information about what parents can do and should know about
teen prescription drug abuse, visit the National Youth Anti-Drug Media
Campaign's Web site for parents: TheAntiDrug.



Since its inception in 1998, the ONDCP's National Youth Anti-Drug Media
Campaign has conducted outreach to millions of parents, teens, and
communities to prevent and reduce teen drug use. Counting on an
unprecedented blend of public and private partnerships, non-profit
community service organizations, volunteerism, and youth-to-youth
communications, the Campaign is designed to reach Americans of diverse
backgrounds with effective anti-drug messages.


White House Office of National Drug Control Policy

TheAntiDrug