New research sheds new light on the increasing rate of teen drug abuse. As our youths and teens increasingly participate in the rise of teen drug abuse, so do the overdoses and the deaths of these teens. The study reported that the rate of overdoses today is ten times higher than the rate in the late 1960s.
This rate increase is not just from the baby boomers and hippies as some would be led to believe, but the rate is higher amongst all age groups, including teens and youths. The rate is especially high for white Americans, with this trend on the rise and no signs of the rate of teen drug abuse leveling off any time soon.
This increase or rise of drug abuse among all age groups including the teens are said to be accredited to the trend of abusing prescription drugs. Before in the 1960s, the rate of deaths due to drug abuse was 1 in every 100,000 people. In 2007, 15 white women out of every 100,000 died from drug abuse. For black women the rate was 17 out of every 100,000. The rates for black and white men were even larger jumps.
The abuse of prescription drugs is evident in playing a major role in the rise of these deaths. Abusing prescription medications include painkillers and Vicodin, which are the most commonly abused prescription drugs. With almost half of Americans taking prescription drugs, the opportunities for these drugs to be abused is increased, which leads to the increase of addiction, all scenarios that come with serious, if not deadly, consequences. Do not wait! Death from prescription drugs are becoming very common. After the death of a 17 year old teenager who ingested a pain killer pill at a party, many people started to pay attention. Teensare not just abusing prescription pain killers but also, anti-anxiety medication, and over the counter cough medications.
If your teenager or someone you know is abusing prescription drugs or struggling with any other addiction or any other destructive behaviors, please call Inspirations Teen Rehab. The one of a kind program which is very successful and well known; featured on the Dr. Phill Show.