The most popular illegal drug among teens is still marijuana. But underage drinking is down, while prescription drug abuse is at the same level as previously. OxyContin, Vicodin, and over-counter (OTC) cold medicines are today’s drugs of choice for teenagers that abuse drugs in America.
A study sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse recently demonstrated that 21% of American eighth-graders, 36% of sophomores, and 48%t of high school seniors admitted abusing at least one illegal drug, all figures slightly down from previous years. This includes illegal drugs such as meth and cocaine. Under-aged smoking and drinking were also shown to be reduced from the previous year’s percentages. However, legal drug misuse seems on the rise.
One of the highest rates of abuse shown in the study came from the painkiller Vicodin, used by 3% of eighth-graders, 7% of 10th-graders, and 9.7%t of seniors. OxyContin abuse is at its highest among students ages 13 to 16. The abuse of OTC’s called DXM, Dex, and Skittles by USA teenagers were abused by 4% of eighth-graders, 5% of 10th-graders and 7% of seniors.
Using large amounts of cough medicines or painkillers can produce an opiate effect and can lead to brain death. Overall, scientists seem to be most concerned with the abuse of drugs and alcohol among 8th graders.
Links:
http://www.playfuls.com/news_10_5986-More-US-Kids-Abuse-Cough-Syrups-Painkillers.html
http://www.cnn.com/2006/HEALTH/12/21/drug.survey/
3 users commented in " Teens Abusing Legal Drugs More "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackThat is really sad.. i can’t believe that so many teens are doing drugs!! !! I want to definitly help everyone that is doing drugs:smoking, drinking, crack, etc.etc. I will pray 4 them.
Yup, that’ll work. Pray to an invisible sky fairy, and kids’ll stop using drugs and start hallucinating enormous beings in the sky instead.
Religion is the opium of the masses, and worse for brain function by far.
honestly, there is no way to prevent kids from doing drugs.
the only “solution” of any problem associated with drugs, is to literally give them to them.
It is a fact that kids will get drugs. If a kid has to save up a hundred dollars just to get a small amount of a drug, they will do it (in the case where the DEA was successful, rather than participating in the crime they are supposed to deal with).
There will never be a day when kids do not WANT drugs.
the only way to keep them safe is to give them PURE drugs, and keep them from getting involved with drug dealers that might harm them.
The only way this will happen is if drugs are legal, and you can buy them t the store.
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