MPRC Fact Sheet: Prescription Drugs

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Prescription drug abuse information:

In 2009, the total number of people initiating drug use with prescription drugs exceeded the number of people that initiated drug use with marijuana. An average of 2,500 teens abuse prescription drugs to get high every day. Forty percent of teens mistakenly believe that prescription drugs are “much safer” than illegal drugs, while thirty percent of teens mistakenly believe that prescription pain relievers are not addictive. In addition, prescription drugs account for more overdose deaths than street drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and meth. [1]

Preventing prescription drug abuse:

Always follow prescribed directions on prescriptions; be aware of interactions with other drugs, including alcohol; and do not change the dose without first talking to a healthcare provider. Medications should be kept in a safe place, and the amount of pills should be carefully monitored. Unused or expired medications should be properly disposed of or discarded at Drug Enforcement Administration collection sites.

Additional Resources:

http://www.nida.nih.gov/drugpages/prescription.html

http://www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp/prescription-drug-abuse

http://www.drugfree.org/drug-guide

Sources:
[1] Drug Enforcement Administration. Fact sheet: Prescription drug abuse- DEA focus [Fact sheet]. Retrieved from www.justice.gov/dea/concern/prescription_drug_fact_sheet.html