A recent study showed that about 1 out of 8 teenagers admit to having used a non-prescribed prescription medication. It is not only painkillers like Codeine and oxycodone, they also are taking Adderall and Ritalin and a host of other drugs.
One recent study in the Huffington Post showed that of high school seniors from both public and private schools - about 13 percent said they had used prescription painkillers for non-medical reasons, such as to get high or to relieve pain without a doctor's oversight.
It would come as no surprise that teens who said they had used the painkillers for non-medical purposes were more likely to smoke pot or cigarettes or to binge drink, compared with those who had only taken the pills under a doctor's supervision or not at all.
Teens Have Addictive Personalities
Most of the kids who misused the drugs had previously been prescribed them for a medical condition. Teens may be using their own leftover medication for pain or to get high, or may get painkillers from family members or friends who were prescribed the drugs.
Other survey data on 12- to 21-year olds revealed that most teens who took up the habit started using painkillers at age 16 or 17.
At age 16, one in 30 or 40 teens took their first painkillers for non-medical use.
These statistics lead me to believe we need more 8 hour teen drug classes beginning in middle school. As a society we owe to our children and grandchildren and all those who follow us to make life the best it can be. Keeping our youth from drug addiction should be a top priority toward ensuring a bright future.