Prescription and over- the-counter medications are legal products that should be used only as directed. Unfortunately, many teens are using them to get high. In 2019, about 567,000 young people between 12 and 17 misused prescription pain relievers within the past year, according to a national survey. (Source: Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health)
Prescription Drug Misuse
A prescription drug is a drug that is available only with authorization from a healthcare practitioner or a pharmacist. The most misused prescription drugs fall under three categories:
OpioidsMedications that relieve pain such as Vicodin®, OxyContin®, or codeine.
DepressantsSubstances that can slow brain activity such as benzodiazepines used to relieve anxiety or help someone sleep, like Valium® or Xanax®.
Stimulants Substances that increase attention and alertness and are used for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), such as Adderall® or Ritalin®.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are drugs you can buy without a prescription. They are safe and effective when you follow the directions on the label and as directed by your health care professional. Read more about using over-the-counter medication safely.
(Pictured: Ativan, Restoril, Xanax, Xanax XR, Valium)
(Pictured: Lortab, Oxycotin, Vicodin, Actiq)
(Pictured: Ritalin, Apidex, Dexedrine, Focalin)
See this article on getsmartaboutdrugs.gov
