Emergency physicians across the country have issued a stern warning to parents about prescription drug abuse. Prescription drugs are now behind marijuana as the most abused drug or drugs in the United States. Almost three-quarters of a million people (741,425) needed emergency care in 2006 because of prescription drug abuse.
"Often when you hear that someone has overdosed on drugs you think of illegal substances, such as cocaine or heroin," said Dr. Angela Gardner, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians. "But parents need to know that many young people are taking prescription drugs from the medicine cabinets. Many of the kids wrongly believe the drugs are not addictive, and they don’t realize they can be lethal," said Gardner.
Painkillers are the most often abused prescription drugs. OxyContin, Vicodin and barbiturates like Valium and Xanax are commonly abused. Twelve to fourteen-year-old girls are more likely than boys to have abused prescription drugs and to have higher rates of dependence.
Prescription drug abuse is dangerous to anyone’s health. It can depress breathing or compromise brain activity. Some drugs will be life-threatening if combined with alcohol. Amphetamines can cause anxiety, paranoia, high body temperature, seizures or an irregular heartbeat.
