Government program declares National Drug Facts Week

By Staff Writer

According to the 2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, teens abuse prescription medications more than all illegal drugs combined, with the exception of marijuana. Many teens are under the misconception that these highly addictive and often easily accessible medications are safer than illicit drugs.

The physicians who work with The Pain Truth - a campaign that was established to combat Florida's increasing prescription drug addiction problem - suggest that parents and educators educate teens about the myths of prescription drugs. One myth that many teens believe is that prescription drugs are safe because they require a doctor's permission. Other myths include the mistruth that sharing prescription medication is legal or that these medications are not as addictive as street drugs.

Nationally, 3.2 million teens admit to having abused prescription medication at least once. Without proper education, these numbers are expected to increase. As a result, the National Institute on Drug Abuse has designated November 8th through 14th National Drug Facts Week.