Help for Parents
Drug Misuse in Young People
Misusing prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs can be dangerous and even deadly for people of all ages. Nearly one-third of all drug abuse in the US involves non-medical misuse of prescription drugs. For young people, misusing legal drugs can provide a "high" similar to illegal drugs.
Pain medications are the most commonly abused medications among teenagers. Dextromethorphan (DXM), another commonly abused drug, is available over the counter.
Why do Teens Misuse Drugs?
Stress is a major reason why teens misuse drugs. Common sources of stress for young people include:
- Friendships, romantic relationships and family life
- Academic success, high school tests or college entrance exams
- Homework, after-school jobs and extracurricular activities
Consequences of Misusing Drugs
Misusing prescription drugs can cause serious health problems, including respiratory distress, cardiac stress, seizures and death. Constant prescription drug use can lead to tolerance (meaning the person must take more of the drug to get the same effect), dependence and serious withdrawal symptoms.
Dextromethorphan (DXM) misuse can cause nausea, vomiting, seizures, hallucinations and even death.
First Steps to Prevention
Teens find these drugs easy to come by, taking pills from family members' medicine cabinets and distributing them at school. Learn the signs associated with prescription and over-the-counter drug misuse and talk to your teens about its dangers.