10 scary facts to ponder when you write a prescription.
The next time you write for a prescription narcotic pain reliever, ponder the following facts:
- 9.7% of all 12th graders admit to non medical use of vicodin in 2008.
- Teenagers believe that prescription medications are safe and “responsible.”
- Girls are more likely than boys to intentionally abuse prescription drugs.
- The majority of teens and young adults get prescription medications for free from their friends and families.
- Almost 3 of 10 teenagers do not believe that prescription pain medications are addictive.
- Most young users (62%) get prescription pain relievers from their parents’ medicine cabinets.
- A third of 14-20 year olds claim to order prescription drugs on line or via phone.
- 8th graders report using dextromethorphan (from cough syrup!) to get high.
- Abusing prescription drugs before the age of 16 has a greater risk for dependency in later life.
- The number of accidental deaths directly attributable to opioids has tripled from 1999-2006, with prescription narcotics over taking illegal drugs such as heroin as the culprit drug in accidental overdose.
So, the next time you write for that vicodin or oxycontin prescription, think carefully who it is for, and how much to prescribe. For more information on this problem that affects all physicians, visit the National Drug Intelligence Center website.
PS: I am sick to DEATH of on line drug companies spamming my blog!
Tags: prescription drug abuse
