Drugs

PRESCRIPTION MISUSE A GROWING DANGER

I have been working in drug prevention for many years. It is still
troubling to me and our dedicated volunteers when we hear news
reports about the possibility of drug overdose related to misuse of
prescription drugs. It is widely speculated Michael Jackson died of a
drug overdose and reportedly the same for Heath Ledger. While
celebrities attract widespread attention in the headlines, let's not
forget about our own families and children. We have a big problem
here in Arizona. Kids are dying.

In Arizona, 12th-graders abuse prescription drugs at twice the
national rate. One in four eighth-, 10th- and 12th-graders reports
using prescription drugs not prescribed to them, according to the
Arizona Youth Survey. Is your child one?

Intentional misuse of prescription medications is the biggest teen
substance use challenge we face today. According to the National
Institute of Drug Abuse, abusing prescription and over-the-counter
drugs can be just as dangerous, addictive and even deadly as using
"street" drugs; and The National Survey on Drug Use and Health
reports that every day, 2,500 teens abuse a prescription drug for the
first time. Aggravating the issue are weak perceptions of risk among
both teens and their parents and the ease of access for teens --
drugs are readily available from medicine cabinets or friends.

We need everyone's help to address this alarming trend. Precious
lives are being taken. Visit our Web site at www.PartnerUpAz.org to
find helpful tips to opening the lines of communication that will go
a long way in ensuring your children make healthy and responsible
lifesaving decisions.

LESLIE BLOOM

CEO, PARTNERSHIP FOR A DRUG-FREE AMERICA, ARIZONA AFFILIATE, PHOENIX