Monday, November 21, 2011

Prescription drug abuse rising among teens, experts say

The State Journal-Register (Springfield, IL) November 20, 2011


"If increased numbers of young people seeking help through a local counseling center is any indication, the use of opiates — addictive narcotics that lessen pain and/or induce stupor — is on the rise.
Many times, the use of illicit opiates starts with abuse of prescription pills, says Jamie Marshall, program director with Solutions Counseling & DUI Services.
The abuse of pharmaceuticals is a growing problem, Marshall says.
'We’re getting a larger number than is typical for us of young people coming through with not only alcohol and drug issues, street-drug issues, but opiates, some even heroin,' she says. 'Almost everyone that I talked to that has this as a problem started the use of opiates with like (prescription painkillers) Vicodin or OxyContin. Because they can’t afford to buy the Vicodin or OxyContin or obtain the scripts anywhere, they’re switching over to heroin use.'" Read More

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