Drug use is steadily increasing in the state of Michigan. One of the biggest increases of use is prescription drugs amongst teens and young adults. In fact according to The Office of the National Drug Control Policy, more young people ages 12-17 abuse prescription drugs than any illicit drug except marijuana—more than cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine combined.
Megan Werner Brennan, Public Contact Supervisor of Narconon Freedom Center, a non-profit drug rehab program, says “We are being asked more and more each day about the increase of prescription drug abuse. It’s the same as being addicted to any other drug and comes along with the same consequences. In Michigan, this has grown to be a devastating problem. Not only does this affect adults, but unfortunately this is also affecting teens that have access to these medications through their parents’ medicine cabinets.”
“This begins a cycle of abuse,” she adds.
The state of Michigan ranks at the top of prescription drug abuse amongst teens and young adults. Teens often feel that if it is a prescription drug, it’s safer for them to get high off of. Unfortunately, they do not know the true consequences of taking these drugs.
Over the past few years in the State of Michigan, the use of illicit drugs has dropped 23% amongst teens.
“Parents a lot of times miss this,” says Brennan, “but the only way that we can stop this cycle is to educate ourselves, our children, and our community.”
If you or someone you know needs help, contact Narconon Freedom Center at 1-888-218-9478 or on our website at http://www.freedomdrugrehab.com/.
