PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE A DANGER TO CHILDREN

The recent drug arrests have proved to everyone that drugs are in our
schools and can happen to our children. Not only were these children
involved in illegal drugs, but controlled substances, which often get
overlooked. OxyContin, a prescription painkiller, led to more than 400
deaths in a two-year period. Its effects are similar to heroin. Forty
milligrams of OxyContin sells for $40 on the street, while a hit of
heroin sells for about $50.

OxyContin is found in many Americans' homes. It is readily available
to many kids. Most parents would not leave heroin out where a child of
any age would find it, so why leave OxyContin in a child's reach?

I work in a pharmacy and am also an intern at Social Services. Many
parents lose their children due to illegal drug abuse because of how
it affects their ability to care for their children.

Abusing prescription drugs can also affect the care of children.
Addiction to legal drugs continues to be a gateway to illegal drug
use.

Natosha Lambeth

Kernersville