The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has teamed up with the National Council on Patient Information and Education to launch a new campaign about teen prescription drug abuse. The campaign  Maximizing Your Role as a Teen Influencer  aims to give adults the tools they need to help prevent prescription drug abuse among teenagers.

"Although the use of tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs among youth has declined from 2002 through 2008, over this time many teens have turned to misusing prescription drugs, according to SAMHSAs National Survey on Drug use and Health," a press release announced. "In fact, prescription drugs are misused more by this age group than any illicit drug, except marijuana."

Surveys have found that kids abuse medication, not to get high, but manage their daily lives. Theyre looking for ways to reduce stress, focus during exams or improve athletic performance. These findings emphasize the importance of teaching kids healthy coping mechanisms.

Labels: teen_drug_use, prescription drugs

Posted By: Aspen/CRC