Prescription Drug Abuse Increases in Mississippi

In 2008, Mississippi recorded only one increase in drug use -- prescription drugs.

Jerri Avery, Director of the Mississippi Department of Mental Health's Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Services, commented on the trend and how most teens are gaining access to prescription drugs for recreational use:

"It's not drug dealers who are supplying the drugs -- it's the home medicine cabinets ... Only 4 percent of prescription drugs are sold by drug dealers. ... Teenagers taking their parents,' grandparents' and friends' prescription drugs. Parents and caregivers need to remember they are the first line of defense in addressing this troubling trend."

According to the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA), symptoms of prescription drug abuse may include constricted pupils, slurred speech, flushed skin, sweating and loss of appetite. Users may also exhibit personality changes, mood swings, irritability, and excessive energy or excessive sleepiness.

(Source: www.hattiesburgamerican.com)

Labels: prescription drugs, prescription-drug-abuse

posted by Aspen Education Group @ 2:05 PM