Drug Abuse Michigan: Pain Pill Abuse

Drug abuse among teens is a major concern of parents, health providers, teachers, family, and peers. A problem once dealt more with drug abuse involving marijuana and alcohol is showing a disturbing shift towards drugs that can be found in the medicine cabinet.

Recently, there was a survey taken by 50,000 teens nationwide that revealed changes in the reported use of prescription medications. The annual survey conducted by the University of Michigan, showed a decrease in the use of marijuana and cigarettes, yet a startling increase in the illicit use of prescription pain medications. The study revealed a trend towards excessive use of opioids like oxycodone (OxyContin) and hydrocodone (Vicodin).

While overall reported lifetime illicit drug use involving gateway drugs like marijuana declined for 10th graders, and for 12th graders, the use of prescription painkillers has increased. It’s important to make sure all prescription pain medicine in the household is kept in a safe and secure place.

In 2005, nearly 10% of 12th grade students reported using hydrocodone or oxycodone for non-prescribed purposes which is disturbing to say the least. Besides the problem of narcotic painkillers, abuse of combination medications (alcohol or tylenol) can cause liver toxicity.

For Parents: Encourage teens to remain drug-free by outlining the severe consequences of drug use (including long term physical and mental effects), and learn the warning signs of substance abuse. Talk to your kids about drugs without making them feel uncomfortable. Get to know who your teen’s are socializing with and if they have a propensity of drug abuse. Parents should restrict access to pain medication and store them safely in the home. If prescription drugs are in the home and not being used, it might be wise to discard the unused medications.

Substance Abuse Treatment — Brighton Hospital – www.BrightonHospital.org A man describes the circumstances of his alcohol abuse that was his living hell that lead up to seeking help at Brighton Hospital, Brighton, MI. He mentions that the staff, “Walk the walk and talk the talk”, in substance abuse.Brighton Hospital is the second oldest alcohol and substance abuse treatment clinic in the United States and the first to be licensed in Michigan. A national leader in drug and alcohol abuse treatment and counseling service that began in the early 1950’s. We treat addictions to alcohol, marijuana, pot, crack, heroin, cocaine, speed, oxycontin, coke, prescription pain pills, ecstasy, plus. We have many recovery testimonials on YouTube. www.brightonhospital.org

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