Prescription Drugs

Teens may use prescription drugs to self medicate for issues such as anxiety and depression, not realizing that using these drugs can make the symptoms worse. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, 17.8% of high school students have abused some form of prescription medication such as Ritalin, Oxycodone, Codeine and Xanax. Up to 53% of teens get these drugs for free from family and friends, while others get them illegally from online pharmaceutical companies or other teens selling them at school. Misusing prescription drugs can lead to dependency, as well as physical and mental health disorders. In addition, it can drastically reduce a teen's ability to focus on school work, graduate from school or even develop healthy social and familial ties.