Dangers of kids abusing prescription drugs: Physicians warn parents

With information of increased prescription drug overdoses in emergency departments, the nation's emergency physicians are issuing a strong warning to parents about the dangers of abusing prescription drugs, which are now the second most abused drugs, after marijuana. Hospital visits caused by accidental and unintended prescription drug overdoses went up 37 percent between 1999 and 2006, according to new data released by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Often when you hear that someone has overdosed on drugs you think of illicit substances, such as cocaine or heroin, said Dr. Angela Gardner, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians. But parents need to know that many young people are taking prescription drugs from the medicine cabinets. Many of the kids mistakenly believe the drugs are not addictive, and they do not recognize they can be lethal.

Practically three-quarters of a million people (741,425) needed emergency care in 2006 because of prescription drug abuse. The types of prescription drugs most commonly harmed are painkillers, such as OxyContin and Vicodin. Also, central nervous system depressants such as Valium and Xanax, are common. Twelve- to 14-year old girls are more likely than boys to have abused prescription drugs and to have higher rates of confidence.