Prescription drugs are the most commonly misused substances by teens after marijuana and alcohol. Misuse occurs when you take medication not prescribed to you or not in the right dosage prescribed. Most teens get prescription pills from their homes or friends. This can be avoided by counting, locking and safely disposing any expired, unused and unwanted medication. Learn More at Medication Misuse – Partnership to End Addiction (drugfree.org)
- Most commonly misused medications are Oxycodone, Adderall, Ritalin, Ambien, Xanax. And they are most commonly misused by people between 18-24 years old.
- Over the counter medications can also cause serious harms when not used properly. Social media challenges like the Benadryl Challenge- caused at least 1 death.
- Teens need to know that many pills obtained illegally like Xanax and Oxycontin may be counterfeit and may be laced with Fentanyl.
- If your child sustains an injury or has to have wisdom teeth removed, talk to their doctors about alternatives to opioids for pain management. Often times, over the counter medication can be just as effective.