Adults are not the only ones at risk of abusing prescription drugs, according to Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control instructor Sheila Brakebill.
Brakebill, who is a member of the agency’s Community-Oriented Proactive Narcotics Education and Training program staff, was the featured speaker Wednesday at the Carter County Health Department’s “Lunch ’N’ Learn” session about adolescent prescription drug abuse. She frequently speaks to students about the dangers of drug use and abuse.
“There are some of them who know more about it than I do, especially those whose parents are using drugs,” she said.
More teens abuse prescription drugs (including painkillers, depressants and stimulants) than any illicit drug except marijuana. In 2006, more than 2.1 million adolescents reported abusing prescription drugs. Prescription medications are the drug of choice among 12- and 13-year-olds.
Prescription drugs are readily available to any resourceful teen. Seventy percent of people 12 and older who abuse prescription painkillers say they get them from relatives and friends.
“They are easy to get,” Brakebill said. “They are sitting in your medicine cabinet.”
There are several signs that indicate a teenager may be abusing prescription medications including:
- Problems in school, such as excessive tardiness, an unexplained drop in grades or a failure toturn in assignments and take tests;
- Withdrawal from family activities;
- A change in friends;
- Personality changes;
- Disrespect; and
- Apathy.
Many teenagers report mixing prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and alcohol. Using such substances in combination can lead to respiratory failure or death.
“Kids are having parties with these drugs,” Brakebill said. “They are mixing them in a large bowl and (randomly) taking them,” she said.
Parents can take several steps to limit teenagers’ access to these drugs and help keep them drug-free including:
- Educate yourselves and talk to your children about the dangers of abusing prescription drugs.
- Safeguard all drugs at home, which may include locking them up.
- Properly discard unused medications.
- Be observant about your children’s behavior.
- Monitor your children’s online time.
- And set a good example for your children.
Brakebill is available to speak to schools, community groups, civic clubs and other organizations about the dangers of adolescent drug use and abuse.
She can be reached by calling (800) 522-8031 or via e-mail at sbrakebill@obn.state.ok.us.
Steve Biehn, 221-6546
