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VSAAC Under-Age Drinking Prevention/Education Programming

Research suggests that an alarming number of teenagers are experimenting with, or abusing prescription and over-the-counter medications to get high.  For teens, prescription and over-the-counter medications may have appeal for a number of reasons...

  • They are easily accessible

  • They are perceived as safe when compared to street drugs

  • They are legal, doctor-prescribed medications

Commonly used medications that teens are using to get high include:

  • Prescription painkillers - Oxycontin, Percocet, Vicodin

  • Prescription stimulants - Ritalin, Adderall

  • Cold and cough medications - Robitussin, Coricidin Cough & Cold

Tips for Parents:

  • Discuss the subject with your teenager.  Find out what they know about peers misusing or overusing prescription medication.

  • Take an inventory of the medications in your home.  Pay attention to quantities.

  • Keep your adult medications out of reach and out of accessible place like the medicine cabinet.

For more information about prescription and over-the-counter medication misuse and abuse, contact the Valley Substance Abuse Action Council at (203) 736-8566 today!