[10] August 5, 2011
www.bothell-reporter.com • www.kenmore-reporter.com
...TODAY’S pArenT Prescription Drug Abuse in Teens
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It’s on the rise and can lead to serious addiction
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As parents, we know the dangers illegal drugs pose to our kids, but few of us recognize some of the biggest dangers are actually legal substances found in many of our own homes. In the past year, abuse of prescription medications, in particular painkillers, has become one of the nation’s most prevalent illegal drug problem‚ is ranked second only behind marijuana. And in King County, a recent report found prescription drugs were
involved in the majority of overdose deaths‚ including those in kids. What many don’t‚ realize is that kids often get these drugs right from the medicine cabinets in their home. Others may take it from the medicine cabinets of friends‚ or extended family member’s homes. As parents, we can take steps to protect our kids. First is talking to them about the dangers of medications. Even cough syrup can be dangerous when
misused. Second, if anyone in your family takes medication for ADD, pain or anxiety, be sure to keep close tabs on the number of pills remaining and lock-up the medication between doses. If it is for a teen, provide only the necessary dosage, rather than giving them the whole bottle. Drugs used to treat these issues are commonly abused. And when the medication is no longer needed, dispose of it. Many local
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drug stores will take back unused medications, including Bartell Drugs. Drug addiction usually begins with experimentation‚ and sometimes that starts with prescription medication‚ especially painkillers. Due to tighter regulations, prescription painkillers such as Vicodin or Oxycontin have become more expensive to purchase on the street, as much as $80 per pill. As a result, teens who begin abuse of prescriptions drugs are more likely to turn to heroin‚ a cheaper and more readily available high. Because heroin can now be smoked rather than injected, it is less scary to a teen. And the high mimics that of the prescription opiates/painkillers. However, heroin is even more addictive. At YES, we are seeing more kids who are using heroin. Take the dangers of your prescription medications seriously. And remember it is not just your child you need to be concerned with, but those who visit your home as well. Patti Skelton-McGougan is executive director of Youth Eastside Services (YES). For more information, visit www.YouthEastsideServices.org.
Northshore annual Back to School Fair set for Aug. 17 Northshore School District, in partnership with the Northshore Human Services Consortium, Northshore Family Center, Northshore Baptist Church, Eastside Foursquare Church and other human-service organizations, will hold a Back to School Fair from 4-6:30 p.m. Aug. 17 at Maywood Hills Elementary, 19510 104th Ave. N.E., Bothell. All ages are welcome to attend this free event. There will be entertainment, music, food and drinks, child I.D. cards, kids’ haircuts, school and community resource information and children’s activities. For more information, visit www.nsd.org or contact Sandra Tracy, Northshore health and nursing supervisor, (425) 408-7728, or Karen Orsinger, Northshore partnerships coordinator, (425) 408-7673.