Teens of all ages are abusing prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.  More, in fact, are abusing prescription drugs, than any other illegal drug except marijuana.  Because these drugs are legal when taken as prescribed, and easy to obtain either from grocery/convenience stores or from home medicine cabinets, family members and friends, many teens don’t think they are harmful.  But they are.

Prescription and OTC drug abuse remains a serious threat to the health and well-being of our youth, yet fewer parents talk to their teens about the dangers of these drugs than they do about the problems related to illegal drugs.

The continued high rate of use of prescription pain relievers such as Vicodin and OxyContin are of significant concern to those in the prevention field.  Prescription abuse of many different types of drugs can lead to serious health effects and problems with learning and achievement in school.  Admissions to treatment centers for addiction to prescription drugs is on the increase, and when these drugs are taken with alcohol, which is often the case, the results can be fatal.

OTC drugs, such as cough and cold medicines often contain Dextromethorphan (DXM) which can be very dangerous when taken in high doses and /or when mixed with alcohol.

Parents and teens need to know the real facts.  Our prescription and OTC prevention products and drug and alcohol prevention games can help.