New Mom Worry -- Teens Sharing Prescription Drugs

on August 12, 2009 at 7:09 AM

teens sharing prescription drugs

One out of five teens share their prescription drugs with friends, new research finds. And not just their parents' medicine cabinet stash, like the anxiety drug Xanax or painkiller Oxycontin -- popular choices among teens.

But personal prescriptions as well: birth control pills, ADHD drugs, and acne medications. This is a big deal if you consider the side effects of heavy hitters like Accutane for acne, which carries a risk of birth defects.

What if a teen gave it to her friend who didn't know she was pregnant?

"I think it has something to do with America's prescription drug use in general," notes aarkat in a recent Newcomer's Club discussion. "Children see adults take little pills for so many different things. It doesn't seem very dangerous to do something you see your parents (grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.) do all the time."

Do you worry about your teens sharing prescription drugs? Have you ever been guilty of slipping a sleeping pill or painkiller to a friend in need?

About the author Cynthia Dermody

is The Stir's Managing Editor who has trophies in her home for her skills at the Irish Jig. She makes cupcakes with as many fattening ingredients as possible, doesn't comb her hair for months at a time, and was probably a faerie in a former life.

Filed Under: behavior, drugs & alcohol, health, in the news

Comments (2)

aarkat

on Aug 12, 2009 at 11:38 AM

i had no idea teens shared their prescriptions so freely. this really shows me how important it is to teach your teen exactly what it is that they have been prescribed, and why it is not safe for them to give away (or take) prescription pills to / from others.

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Alice12

on Aug 13, 2009 at 11:18 AM

Let’s be honest. Drugs and alcohol don’t taste good or smell good. So why are so many teens using them? It basically comes down to one reason – pressure. Teens face peer pressure every day in school, and it can be difficult to say no when doing drugs seems like the cool thing to do.

I’m an 18-year-old girl who has personally never experimented with drugs or alcohol. I think this is because I’m not easily influenced and because I have a great relationship with my parents. Also, there are so many other ways to “escape from pressure in life” that are not dangerous to a person’s health –just involve yourself in positive activities such as fun sports, reading, art, community service, etc.

Last year, Tory Gant spoke at my high school about the consequences of drug use, and he was fantastic. You can find out more about Tory by visiting www.justsayyes.org