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Prescription Drug Abuse and Youth

NCJ Number
197839
Date Published
August 2002
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This brief describes the extent of prescription drug abuse and the types of prescription drugs being abused by young people in the United States.
Abstract
Tables include information on prescription drugs frequently abused by young people; non-medical use of psychotherapeutics among 12- to 17-years olds, 1999 to 2000; lifetime abuse of other narcotics, tranquilizers, and barbiturates among 12th graders, 1997 to 2001; and treatment admissions to publicly funded facilities 12- to 17-year-olds, 1995-1999. The drugs most often abused are opioids/pain relievers, depressants, and stimulants. OxyContin, Xanax, and Ritalin are discussed as being particularly prevalent and dangerous. It is noted that prescription drugs are obtained by young people primarily from their peers who sell or give away their legitimate prescriptions, or by stealing from adults with legitimate prescriptions. It is anticipated that young people will continue to abuse prescription drugs at younger and younger ages, and the rates of abuse will probably increase along with treatment admissions. It is recommended that innovative approaches be developed to address the problem, including informing young people of risks associated with prescription drug abuse via anti-drug messages and educational programs. A list of sources is included.