With the new laws that pain must be treated doctors are forced to write prescriptions for narcotics based only on the patient's say so.These drugs find there way to the black market in amassing quantities and at quite a profit.The children steal them from their parents and we have a generation of children, under age 18, that will do anything to get high. I mean anything. Cold pills, most OTC medications will be abused by these kids. Parents need to be very aware of what is available in their cupboards. I highly suggest investing in a safe for all medications and if you have any narcotics they must be kept under lock and key. Any change in your child's' behavior, grades or friends is reason for alarm. These kids will even abuse heavily caffeinated beverages for the 'buzz'.The other bit of advise I have is buy one of those drug tests kits that are available at any pharmacy (cheapest at Wallmart) and leave it in plain view. Do not hesitate to use them.
The importance of keeping our children drug free is vital. The human brain doesn't stop developing until age 20. Using drugs or even smoking cigarettes in the less than 20 age group will cause the brain to develop neural pathways forming an addictive link that will follow them their entire lives.

Post edited by: thestain, at: 2007/10/10 15:08

Post edited by: thestain, at: 2007/10/10 15:14

Hmmm, I couldn't agree more. It baffles me how many prescription meds are being abused these days, especially by kids - heck, I've always hated taking Tylenol or Asprin. Along with careless parents, online pharmacies aren't making this problem any better. I'm with you. Parents need to go to excessive lengths to keep their kids away from these dangerous drugs - but first educate them on the dangers. I think that's the real disconnect here. Parents are too scared, too busy, too selfish to educate their children on the dangers of prescription, OTC, and street drugs - and alcohol. We can't run our kids lives forever, but the least we can do is arm them with the information to make informed decisions. Any person with accurate information on the dangers of prescription and OTC drugs has a greatly reduced chance of ever abusing these substances. I see the trend, but don't want to believe that prescription meds are the next big drug epidemic for our society. It's still amazingly shocking to me

I don't wish to shock you or give you negative feedback but i am speaking from personal experience as i work closely with teenagers. The kids are educated alright. Schools constantly push "Just say no" and Challenge Days. But children think they are invincible That nothing 'bad' can happen to them. Parents must take their heads out of the sand and be very observant. Peer pressure means more than what mom and dad say in their teenage years.

I totally agree kids these days know about Prescription Drugs, but I think it's our jobs as parents and older more wiser individuals that have lived life a little longer to teach kids that we are not stupid and that we know exactly what they are up to.

By our very nature, when we are young especially, we want to experience what is taboo. I believe our actions and behavior as adults will convey more about the dangers of RX than a locked medicine cabinet. I don't believe it is necessary to turn a home into a police state, with random drug tests based on little evidence.
A home should be our sanctuary.

According of many researchers Alcohol and Drug addiction is simply defined as a compulsive need for an intoxicating liquid that is obtained from fermented grain or fruit. These liquids include beer, wine, and other hard liquors. it says like every form of addiction is bad, no matter whether the narcotic be alcohol or morphine or idealism. and Alcohol addiction may also inflame the mouth, esophagus, and stomach, and could cause cancer in these areas, especially in drinkers who also smoke. Have a desire to stop the Alcohol and Drug addiction. You must have a serious desire to stop from being an alcoholic.

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Marvin