Oxycontin News Blog

SPRINGFIELD - Is it generation X or generation Rx? The latest study from the Partnership for a Drug Free America reports an alarming number of teens are abusing prescription and over the counter drugs.

Medical officials in the state are concerned over the latest numbers, but at the same time they do not want to demonize a number of drugs that are needed by thousands of people on a daily basis.

Overall the numbers reveal that one in five teens has abused a prescription drug, mainly painkillers, and one in 11 teens say they have abused an OTC drug.

One in 11 may not seem like an alarming number, but when compared to street drugs, the number has medical officials and the Illinois Department of Drug Enforcement concerned.

Just over 9 percent or 2.2 million teens in the US claim they have abused an OTC drug, compared to 9 percent who say they have abused crack/cocaine, 9 percent claim they have abused ecstasy, 8 percent methamphetamine, 6 percent LSD, 5 percent ketamine, 4 percent heroin, and 4 percent have abused GHB.

When it comes to painkillers one in 5 percent of teens claim they have abused Vicodin and one in 10 said they have abused oxycontin, better known as hillbilly heroin on the street.

Older teens and young adults seem to prefer stimulants to painkillers, according to the study. One in 10 teens claim they have abused Ritalin or Aderall.

Both drugs are used to help children with Attention Deficit Disorder. However, if you do not have ADD, the drug acts as a strong stimulant.

Prescription drugs have penetrated today's teen culture, according to the study.

Teens that took part in the study said 37 percent of their friends have abused some sort of painkiller while 29 percent said they have abused Ritalin or Aderall.

The study revealed the drugs are abused due to easy access. Most of the teens in the study said they obtained the drugs from a friend who takes the medication or they stole the drugs from the medicine cabinet of a friend or relative.

The study said the best way to keep teens from abusing OTC or prescription drugs is to keep all medications out of the reach of children.

Parents should also talk to their children about OTC or prescription drugs the same way they would talk to them about street drugs.

The IDEA will conduct a conference on Nov. 20 and Nov. 21 at the Peoria Civic Center. The theme for the annual conference is "Be A Hero, Lead A Drug-Free Life."

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