Prescription drugs
As parents we often talk to our teens about the dangers of drugs. These discussions can include drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, and heroin. But what about prescription drugs? The trend to abuse prescription drugs continues to grow among teens. When medication is prescribed by your family doctor, specific directions, recommended dosage, and warnings are provided. But when a teen abuses prescription drugs that are not prescribed by a doctor, these drugs become illegal and can have harmful and even deadly consequences. Where are teens finding illegal prescription drugs? They are purchased on the streets from drug dealers, provided by friends at school, purchased on the Internet without a prescription, and even found in their parent's medicine cabinet. It is a good idea for parents to hide medication in a safe, locked place and keep track of how much medicine is in each bottle. Parents should also be aware of the prescription drugs that are easily accessible to teens and the symptoms to look for.

Prescription drugs that teens are abusing:
*OxyContin
*Vicodin
*Soma
*Xanax
*Percocet
*Valium
*Ritalin
*Adderall
*Dexedrine
*Concerta
*Ambien
*Paxil
*Tylenol with codeine

Warning signs of prescription drug abuse:
*Elevated energy
*Elevated drowsiness
*Difficulty concentrating
*Decreased inhibitions
*Secrecy
*Dilated or constricted pupils
*Flushed in the neck or face
*Slowed breathing
*Decrease in blood pressure
*Mood swings
*Changes in sleeping patterns