Prescription Drugs and Your Students

DEPENDENCE. MEDICAL PROBLEMS. ADDICTION. OVERDOSE.

Fact: In many schools, more students get into trouble with prescription drugs than illicit “street” drugs. Nationwide, about 1 in 4 students report misusing a prescription drug at least once. And that problem is increasing.

12-17 year olds abuse prescription drugs more than ecstasy, heroin, crack/cocaine, and methamphetamines combined.

The major “problem” prescription drugs include painkillers, depressants, also called sedatives or tranquilizers, and stimulants. Often, teens obtain these prescription drugs from home – from improperly stored prescriptions left over from a previous health problem or currently used by a family member – or friends

School administrator discusses how some students may mimic behavior when it comes to prescription drug use

Here are some resources you can use to learn about prescription drug abuse:

• How prescription drug abuse is unique
• Consequences of prescription drug abuse
• Prescription drug abuse factsheet for school administrators and professionals