Rural Teens are More Likely to Abuse Prescription Drugs

With prescription drugs so accessible to teens and adults alike it is no wonder they are misused. For some it is the lack of education, for others it is simply easy and instant gratification that draws them to misuse prescription drugs. Teens who abuse prescription drugs are more likely to drop out of school, be depressed, and slowly destroy their future. The University of Kentucky conducted a national study and analyzed self-report data on 17,872 teens aged 12-17, collected in the 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. The findings concluded that teens in rural areas were 26 percent more likely than urban adolescents to have abused prescription drugs at some point in their lives.

Here are a few tips on how to keep your teen from abusing these and other drugs:

• Be a good example. Don't misuse your prescription drugs. Teens have a tendency to imitate and justify their actions according to the examples around them. The biggest influence in a teens life is their parents.
• Keep your prescription drugs in a safe place.
• Monitor your teens use of drugs prescribed by a physician. Take opportunities to discuss the harmful affects of drugs used inappropriately.
• Get help. If you suspect your teen is misusing harmful substances the time to act is now. Problems like prescription drug abuse do not solve themselves. Your teen needs your help.

Parent Help has worked with hundreds of teens who have dealt with prescription drug abuse problems. If you suspect your teen is using call us today for a free consultation.