More teens and young adults abusing medications - Brief Article

AORN Journal,  April, 2003  

• E-mail
• Print
• Link

Data from the 2001 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse reveal a rapid increase in prescription medication abuse among young adults and teenagers, according to a Jan 16, 2003, news release from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Among 12- to 17-year-olds, 7.9% reported using prescription medications nonmedically within the past year, including

* 6.4% who used pain relievers,

* 2.2% who used stimulants, and

* 1.7% who used tranquilizers. Of the 12.1% of 18- to 25-year-olds who reported using prescription medications nonmedically,

* 9.6% used pain relievers,

* 3.4% used stimulants, and

* 4.2% used tranquilizers.

As a result of survey findings, SAMHSA and the US Food and Drug Administration have launched a public education campaign that targets 14- to 25year-olds. The campaign will focus on the dangers of abusing prescription medications, including addiction, and the potential for life-threatening problems.

Prescription Drug Abuse Rising Rapidly: FDA and SAMHSA Join to Educate Public on the Dangers (news release, Washington, DC: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Jan 16, 2003) http://www.samhsa.gov/news/newsreleases/030116nr_rx.htm (accessed 21 Jan 2003).

COPYRIGHT 2003 Association of Operating Room Nurses, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group