Pubdate: Tue, 06 Jun 2006
Source: Metrowest Daily News (MA)
Copyright: 2006 MetroWest Daily News
Contact:  http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/619
Author: Dr. Murray Feingold, Daily News Correspondent
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mdma.htm (Ecstasy)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/oxycontin.htm (Oxycontin/Oxycodone)

SECOND OPINION - THE NEW DRUG WAR

The types of drugs that adolescents are illegally taking are changing.

The use of illicit street drugs, such as Ecstasy and cocaine, is 
decreasing. However, this does not mean teenagers are taking fewer 
drugs, they are just taking different drugs. Adolescents are now 
illegally taking a greater number of prescription drugs than ever 
before. For example, 7.2 percent of high school students have 
reported the nonmedical use of sedatives, a significant increase from 
prior years.

The use of the prescription drug Oxycontin has also increased during 
the past two years. Other prescription drugs that are on the increase 
are narcotics, amphetamines, tranquilizers and stimulants such as 
Ritalin. Various reasons have been promulgated for the increase use 
of prescription drugs and the decrease use of street drugs by teenagers.

One becomes obvious when you compare the media coverage of these two 
groups of drugs. There are repeated stories concerning the dangers of 
street drugs and reports of youngsters dying from overdoses. These 
reports understandably scare the youngster. Compare those reports 
with the many advertisements that now flood the media that espouse 
the virtues and minimize the side effects of a whole host of 
prescription medications. Adolescents, and perhaps adults too, get a 
false sense of security concerning these drugs. It is estimated over 
$4 billion is spent by the pharmaceutical industry to promote their 
medications. It is very possible their role models -- their parents 
- -- are taking the same medications. Although a prescription is 
necessary for these medications, because so many people are taking 
them they are frequently easily available and at no cost to the 
teenager. The medical profession also bears some responsibility. 
Physicians are sometimes too lax when it comes to prescribing these 
medications to youngsters. So, parents, it is possible that although 
your teenaged child is not taking street drugs, he or she may be 
hooked on prescription medications, the same medications you may also 
be taking.

Dr. Murray Feingold is the physician in chief of the National Birth 
Defects Center, medical editor of CBS4 TV and WBZ radio, and 
president of the Genesis Fund. The Genesis Fund is a nonprofit 
organization that funds the care of children born with birth defects, 
mental retardation and genetic diseases.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman