Researchers from the University of Cincinnati recently examined the results of nearly 55,000 students in 7th through 12th grades regarding their nonmedical use of prescription drugs. Utilizing the results of a recent Pride survey on adolescent drug use, the study was able to get a glimpse of positive influences that can reduce prescription drug use.
Nearly 14 percent of the students reported using these drugs without a doctor’s prescription. Earlier research has shown that young people often obtain these substances from their homes or from their friends.
The good news is that peers, teachers and parents can really have a positive influence in limiting, reducing and preventing the nonmedical use of prescription drugs.
As reported in Science Daily, researchers reported that, “students at every grade level who reported high levels of parent and peer disapproval of use were at decreased odds for lifetime nonmedical prescription drug use.”
Many young people are mistaken in believing that prescription drugs are safer to abuse than street drugs. The more we all can do as a community to help reinforce positive behaviors and the more we can prevent the need for intervention.
For anyone who needs assistance in stopping prescription drug abuse, Desert Cove Recovery can help.
