The study’s author, Sean Esteban McCabe of the Substance Abuse Research Center of the University of Michigan said, “The results of this study provide compelling evidence that adolescents have a wide range of motives for using prescription opiods non-medically and these motives should be carefully considered in efforts to reduce this behavior.”  The study was published in the August 2009 issue of the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine.

Another study of 12-17 years olds, Reuters, August 18, 2009, found that about 20% said they have given their prescription drugs to friends and obtained them the same way.  About one third who said they “borrowed” medications indicated they experienced some sort of allergic reaction or had some other negative side effects as a result.  This study was published online in the Journal of Adolescent Health.

Additionally, The Washington Post, August, 24, 2009 noted that there was a 76% increase in calls to poison control centers regarding teen misuse of prescription drugs intended for treating Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).  This study reported that calls regarding misuse of ADHD drugs by teens rose 251 calls from 1998 to 2005.  Four fatalities were noted among those calls and 42% of the calls involved concerns about moderate to severe side effects.

Finally, the Food & Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Mental Health found an association between stimulant drugs like Ritalin and Addereall, which are used for ADHD,  and “sudden unexplained death” among youth.  The researchers said, “While the data have limitations that preclude a definitive conclusion, our findings draw attention to the potential risks of stimulant medications for children and adolescents.”  This study appeared online in the June 2009 issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry.

Click here for links.

Join Together:

Prescription Drugs Misused by 12.3 Percent of H.S. Seniors
One in Five Teens Share Their Prescription Drugs with Friends
Poison Center Calls for Teen Use of ADHD Drugs Soar
ADHD Drugs Associated with Sudden Death among Kids

CESAR FAX, August 17, 2009, Vol. 18, Issue 32, Friends and Family Are Most Common sources of Prescription Drugs Misused by Youths (Click Here for PDF)

CADCA Coalitions Online: More Kids Using ADHD Drugs to GET High.

According to the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the SAMHSA National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 50% of Americans age 12 and older had used alcohol at least once in the 30 days prior to the survey; almost 24% had binged (used 5 or more drinks in a 2 hour period); and almost 24% reported heavy drinking (5 or more drinks on 5 or more occasions, in 30 days).  In the age group 12-17, almost 15% had used at least one drink in the past 30 days, almost 9% had binged, and 2% reported heavy drinking.

Safe and Drug Free Schools encourages all district schools to support this event by offering alcohol prevention activities during the month of April.  For activities and resources, the following links are available:

CADCA Resources:
Alcohol Awareness
CADCA’s Support 21 Toolkit

The Surgeon General’s Resources:
Call to Action to Prevent & Reduce Underage Drinking 2007
Underage Drinking
A Guide to Action for Educators
A Guide to Action for Families

Other Resources:
College Drinking Prevention