TEEN ABUSE OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS ON RISE

They come in small amber-colored plastic bottles with labels,
prescribed by a doctor. They are safe when used properly by those for
whom they are prescribed.

That may one reason why nearly half of teenagers believe prescription
medication is safer to consume than marijuana, cocaine and other
illicit drugs.

Law enforcement agencies and other organizations in Wilson say this
area doesn't currently have a significant problem with teenage
prescription drug abuse. But if families don't take care to monitor
their children, authorities warn, that could change.

Prescription drug abuse in the U.S. is increasing and could surpass
illicit drug use, according to a report from Partnership for a
Drug-Free N.C.

One in 10 teenagers in N.C. reported using prescription painkillers in
the last month, the organization said in a press release, and 40
percent of teens believe prescription medications are less risky than
drugs like marijuana, heroin and cocaine.

"The crux of the problem, I believe, is teens think because a
pharmaceutical company made it, it's OK, it's not a street drug," said
Phil Mooring, executive director of Wilson Families in Action.

That misconception can have dangerous - even deadly - consequences.
And the accessibility of these medications to young people may be a
contributing factor to the growing problem of prescription drug abuse,
Mooring said.

"Peer pressure, boredom, self-esteem issues, it's seen as the cool
thing to do; all these contribute to the temptation. If they want to
use (prescription drugs), it's easy to get," he said. "Most of it is
coming from their parents' medicine cabinets or the medicine cabinets
of their friends."

AWARENESS OF A PROBLEM

Wilson Families in Action works with families to help prevent
substance abuse among children and adolescents. The agency isn't a
counseling center, Mooring said, but rather serves to educate and
inform parents about substance abuse.

"We do know that prescription drug abuse is a growing trend and folks
at the federal level are very concerned. Indicators are telling us
this is something we'd better get on top of," Mooring said. "You need
to be aware of whether your child is involved with risky behavior."

Teenagers who are using and abusing prescription medications may
exhibit similar symptoms to that of alcohol intoxication, according to
local pharmacists.

As a parent, once you suspect your child has a drug problem, it's time
to have a talk. Don't hesitate to sit down with your child to have a
discussion about the dangers of abusing prescription drugs,
authorities say, including long-term and short-term
consequences.

"Our message to parents is, please know what's going on in your
child's life. There is a fine line between invading your child's
privacy and preventing risky behavior," Mooring said.

He reminds parents to pay attention to little things, too, like who
your children are spending time with, and what activities those
friends are involved in.

"Know your children's friends. Does your kid's best friend use drugs?
If so, chances are your child probably is, too," Mooring said.

Russ Dillard, a pharmacist at Eckerd Pharmacy on Martin Luther King
Jr. Parkway, said if your child suddenly switches the kind of friends
he or she spends time with, check it out. Also, be aware of
significant attitude and behavioral changes, he said.

WHERE TEENS ARE GETTING THE MEDS

Accessibility to prescription medications is part of the problem with
the growing trend of teenage substance abuse, authorities say. If a
teenager can't get to pills in his or her parent's cabinet, they may
find it just as easily at school, Mooring said.

Around the city and county, school and law enforcement officials say
there isn't a serious problem with prescription drug abuse among
teenagers. Police and sheriff's deputies haven't recently made any
major arrests in connection with illegal possession or sale of
prescription drugs by teenagers.

Bob Kendall, director of public relations for Wilson County Schools,
said four students have received disciplinary action since the
beginning of the 2006-2007 school year for activities related to
prescription drug abuse.

Three of the disciplined students were carrying Adderall, a medication
used to treat ADHD, after either getting the drug from someone else or
to give to another student, Kendall reported. Those students were each
suspended for 10 days.

The fourth student to receive disciplinary action this year was caught
with Xanax, an anxiety disorder medication. School officials
determined that student planned to sell the drug and was subsequently
suspended for the rest of the school year.

The school system's policy for selling, using or possessing drugs
includes a penalty ranging from a 10-day suspension to a 365-day
suspension. First-time policy violators must also meet with a guidance
counselor and attend a substance abuse program chosen by the
superintendent.

Wilson police Sgt. D.H. Garris said local law authorities are
"monitoring the issue" of teenage prescription drug abuse. Sedatives
and ADHD medication are the most popular among teens who either use
the substances or sell it to others, he said.

It's already dangerous when young people take drugs that aren't
prescribed to them, but that grows exponentially when those
adolescents mix prescription medications with alcohol and illegal
narcotics, Garris said.

"If these drugs aren't prescribed to them, they don't have any
symptoms to begin with, so they're getting the impairment," he said.
"From what I've read in most cases, these kids are taking more tablets
than are prescribed to them, or using these drugs with alcohol or
marijuana, which brings in a lot of the danger."

Parents can prevent their children from getting their hands on
medications by locking up what they have at home, and destroying old
pills. Garris also recommended adults dole out drugs for their
children, no matter how old they are or how much they protest.

"I'd encourage parents to ... give (children) their doses, rather than
let the kids administer their own medication. Parents can eliminate
the possibility of their children abusing or selling these drugs by
monitoring them," Garris said.

A PARTNERSHIP WITH THE LAW

Tougher restrictions on certain drugs that previously were available
over-the-counter have helped at least a portion of a drug problem
plaguing most parts of the U.S.

Since January 2006, ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, found in cold and
allergy medications, are only available for purchase behind the
counter at pharmacies, and only to adults ages 18 and older. Anyone
buying the medicines must show photo identification and sign a log
book.

Pseudoephedrine and ephedrine are ingredients found in
methamphetamines an addictive stimulant. Authorities around the
country have cracked down on meth labs, which pose health and safety
issues due to the number of toxic chemicals used to produce the drug.

Pharmacists in Wilson say the relationships they have with local law
enforcement has been positive.

"Pharmacies have worked well with law enforcement. If they need
access, they get it," said Brian Holloman of Thomas Discount Drugs &
Home Medical Supply.

That relationship could be expanded if the state legislature approves
House Bill 745, which would authorize sheriffs to examine pharmacy
records that relate to controlled substances.

"The Sheriff's Office would benefit from (the bill) if it passes,"
said Maj. J.H. Farmer of the Wilson County Sheriff's Office. "With any
illegal activities, especially methamphetamines, area pharmacists have
been wonderful to work with. They have been fully cooperative. We're
fortunate in Wilson County to have a good working relationship."

So far, the bill has been referred to the Committee on Health and is
sitting in a judiciary committee in the General Assembly.

Dillard said he's certain local pharmacists would support the bill,
assuming records are only disclosed to the proper authorities.

New laws may help, experts say, but drug abuse prevention begins at
home.

"You need to tell that child, 'You're an adolescent and we love you
enough that when we see there might be a problem, we'll check your
dresser drawer. We want to ensure you're safe,'" Mooring said.