Pubdate: Mon, 13 Jan 2003
Source: Central Kentucky News Journal (KY)
Copyright: 2003, Central Kentucky News Journal
Contact:  http://www.cknj.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1479
Author: Heather S. Barnes

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS ABUSED JUST AS MUCH AS OTHER DRUGS

Do you have prescription drugs in your home? Do you have a child/teenager 
in your home? Could it be possible that your child/teenager is abusing your 
prescription drug?

If you think it is not possible, think again.

The New Prescription Drugs: Abuse and Addiction Research Report explains 
that approximately 4 million people ages 12 and older misused prescription 
drugs in 1999. These people typically used prescription drugs such as 
sedatives, stimulants, tranquilizers, painkillers and opioids for 
non-medical purposes.

Prescription drug abuse occurs when a person illegally obtains a legal 
prescription drug for non-medical use.

Students are obtaining these drugs in a variety of ways including: parents, 
grandparents, classmates and even by "doctor shopping" in which the person 
continually switches physicians so they can obtain more drugs. Some of 
these drugs could also be obtained legally, but used for only a "high." 
According to information given by local high school students, obtaining and 
selling prescription drugs is easy.

Students were asked the question: "How many of you would know where to 
obtain prescription drugs that were not yours?" One-hundred percent of 
students in the classroom raised their hand.

The most important point that we must stress to our children is the serious 
and dangerous consequences of prescription drug abuse. Abusing any 
prescription drug is dangerous. Severe respiratory depression, decreased or 
increased blood pressure, decreased or increased brain activity, seizures, 
cardiovascular failure, and even death may result.

The consequences of the law are severe. Possession of a controlled 
substance is a Class D Felony for first offense, and Class C Felony for 
each subsequent offense. Selling a controlled substance to a minor is a 
Class C Felony for first offense, and Class B Felony for each subsequent 
offense. In addition, each offense will add jail time from one to 20 years.

Even though there are systems and tools used by doctors and pharmacists to 
prevent prescription drug abuse, people are still abusing. As parents, it 
is our responsibility to keep our children safe. Keep a close eye on all of 
your prescription drugs. Please talk to your child about the dangers of 
prescription drug abuse. Remember, parents are the most effective anti-drug.

Heather S. Barnes

Communications Coordinator

Campbellsville/Taylor County

Anti-Drug Coalition

Campbellsville
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