Prescription Drugs

Legal but not Necessarily Safe

Prescription for Danger
National studies and published reports indicate that the abuse1 of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs to get high is a growing concern—particularly among teens in the United States. In fact, more young people ages 12-17 abuse prescription drugs than any illicit drug except marijuana—more than cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine combined. Prescription drugs provide benefits when used as directed under the care of a health provider. But when abused, they can be just as dangerous as illicit drugs.

NIDA Research Report: Prescription Drugs (Abuse and Addiction)
Although most people take prescription medications responsibly, there has been an increase in the nonmedical use of or, as NIDA refers to it in this report, abuse1 of prescription drugs in the United States. The abuse of certain prescription drugs—opioids, central nervous system (CNS) depressants, and stimulants— can alter the brain’s activity and lead to addiction. While we do not yet understand all of the reasons for the increasing abuse of prescription drugs, we do know that accessibility is likely a contributing factor. Prescription drug abuse is not a new problem, but one that deserves renewed attention.

"Legal but not Necessarily Safe" Article
People view prescription medications differently from illicit drugs, such as marijuana or cocaine. Because such medications are prescribed by physicians and are created in well-regulated laboratories, many students believe that taking prescription medications is safe, even when obtained from sources other than physicians. But prescription drugs have many side effects that can be adequately managed only when taken under a doctor’s careful supervision in a controlled manner. These side effects are often magnified when medications are taken in combination with other prescription and over-the-counter drugs, alcohol, or illicit drugs.

Ritalin, ADHD Medications, and Other Stimulants

Ritalin Use On College Campuses
Although alcohol is the most abused drug on college campuses, Ritalin has also attracted much concern in recent years. This Infofacts/Resources describes Ritalin use on college campuses, outlines possible effects of its abuse, and recommends policies for institutions of higher education.

Article on ADHD and Ritalin.
It talks about brain activity and the possibility of overmedicating children.

More Information

Information on Prescription Drugs

CNN Video: Prescription Drug Abuse