Prescription Drug Misuse Decline Among Teens: Tips for Parents - Health

Decrease in Teen Prescription Drug Misuse

Since 2009 , U.S. high school seniors have reported significant decreases in medical use , misuse , and availability of Prescription drugs . A recent study conducted by the University of Michigan analyzed trends in the use of opioids , stimulants , and benzodiazepines from 2009 to 2022 . The findings , which will be published in JAMA , the Journal of the American Medical Association , reveal a positive shift in adolescent behavior.

 The reduction over the past decade was substantial , with a decrease from 1 in 9 high school students using prescription drugs nonmedically to 1 in every 40 students.

While these changes are encouraging , the risks associated with nonmedical use remain a concern . Sean Esteban McCabe , a professor at the University of Michigan , emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant due to potential dangers , especially with the rise of counterfeit pills.

Impact of COVID-19 on Prescription Drug Misuse

The study also highlighted the impact of COVID-19 on teen prescription drug misuse . School closures during the pandemic led to significant changes in student behavior , limiting opportunities for the exchange of prescription medications among peers . According to McCabe , the reduced contact between students played a role in the decline of misuse.

One of the surprising findings of the study was the steep decline in teens misusing prescription medications , dropping from 11 % to 2 % in the past year . Philip Veliz , a research associate professor at the University of Michigan , attributed these declines to changes in prescribing practices , particularly in response to the opioid epidemic.

Positive Trends in Prescription Drug Misuse

The study also revealed positive trends in the perceived difficulty of obtaining prescription medications for nonmedical use . Adolescents reported a decrease in the availability of prescription drugs , with more students believing it would be impossible to access these medications for misuse . Veliz noted that parents ' increased knowledge and oversight of these medications have contributed to these positive changes.

Overall , the findings suggest a shift in adolescent behavior towards prescription drug misuse , with significant declines in both medical use and nonmedical misuse among high school students . The study , supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse , provides valuable insights into the changing landscape of prescription drug misuse among teens.