Sharing Prescription Drugs: Rx For Trouble

A recent study published online by the Journal of Adolescent Health showed that 20 percent of 12 to 17 year-olds had given their prescription drugs to friends.

This includes potent addictive narcotic pain relievers such as OxyContin and Darvocet.

“According to these statistics, almost four million teens have taken prescription drugs with no medical or adult supervision,“ comments Mary Rieser, Executive Director for the Atlanta Recovery Center Drug Rehab. “Also reported was the fact that almost one third of these reported adverse reactions to the drugs taken.

“While it is inconceivable that so many would abuse prescription drugs, it is understandable. While we have had decades of indoctrination that illegal street drugs are bad, no one has told youngsters that prescription drugs, when misused, can cause severe allergic reactions, heart failure, can lead to drug addiction, and in extreme cases, cause death.”

Acne medications, allergy drugs, narcotic pain relievers, antidepressants, antibiotics,  and anti-anxiety medications were the most commonly shared. Three-quarters of those who borrowed drugs from friends said they did so in lieu of visiting a doctor.

"However, prior to our study, no one had asked adolescents how often they shared prescription medications, which meds they shared and what some of the outcomes were," said lead researcher Richard Goldsworthy of Academic Edge, Inc.

Past research has shown that 40 percent of adults also share their medications.

“Teach your children about the dangers of prescription drug abuse,” comments Ms. Rieser. “Dispose of un-used prescription drugs that are not used. Make sure you get all the facts from your doctor on  the dangers and proper use of prescription drugs. Lock any prescription drugs up. Be safe.”