Kids and Prescription Drug Addiction
Well-intentioned parents spend a considerable amount of time and energy warning their kids about the dangers of drugs. They explain how to avoid drug dealers, resist peer pressure and understand the consequences of substance abuse. Yet more and more, these same parents are finding out the hard way that kids can become addicted to drugs in surprising and insidious ways - even simply by visiting their own medicine cabinet.
The growing problem of kids and prescription drugs
Kids have begun to discover that in order to get high, they do not need to find a drug dealer and buy heroin, marijuana, cocaine or other illegal substances. Often, the medications their parents have left in the house provide the euphoric effect they seek - often with devastating consequences.
Some of the most commonly abused medication types used by kids and teenagers include:
- Painkillers. Vicodin, OxyContin and other prescription painkillers are used by kids because of their euphoric effects.
- Depressants. Anti-anxiety medications and sleeping pills are commonly abused by children and teens because of their drowsy, calming effects. Common drugs in this category include Xanax and Valium.
- Stimulants. Using by kids for their euphoric effects, or to offset the effects of alcohol and other depressants, stimulants such as amphetamines and methamphetamines are highly addictive and carry serious health-related and psychological side effects.
Tips for keeping your kids away from prescription drugs
There are several simple things that every parent can do to help curb the abuse of prescription drugs by their children, including:
- Throw away old medication. Many kids use prescription meds undetected because they take them from old, currently unused bottles of pills. Once there is no longer an immediate need for these medications, flush them down the toilet.
- Place existing medication in a hidden or locked location. If medications are needed for legitimate reasons in the household, keep them well hidden, or under lock and key so curious children cannot access them.
- Talk to kids about the dangers of prescription medication. Finally, the best strategy for keeping kids of prescription drugs (or any drugs for that matter) is talk openly and honestly with them about the dangers they present. Well-informed parents who are comfortable speaking with their kids about drugs are at the lowest risk for having children with a prescription drug addiction.
If a child has already begun taking prescription drugs - or has developed an addiction to those drugs - it is crucial that help is sought immediately. Many drug rehab programs have specialized programs for teens battling any number of drug addiction, including prescription medications. These addiction treatment programs understand that kids and teenagers require different program styles than adults, as well as the high-risk nature of their behavior.
Located in Palm Springs, California, Michael's House is a residential drug treatment center that helps save young lives every day. Parents who believe that their child might have a prescription drug addiction are urged to contact Michael's House at today for more information.
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