The Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine published a study about teenagers’ use of pain killers including opioids. As you can imagine, this is a very scary topic for multiple reasons.

Researchers surveyed behaviors and attitudes of about 7,400 high school seniors from 135 different schools, both public and private. Their survey showed that 13% of students reported having used prescription painkillers for non-medical reasons, such as getting high or to relieve pain.

The teens in the study that were misusing the painkillers, were also more likely to smoke pot, smoke cigarettes and binge drink. This tells us that the teenagers engaging in misuse of painkillers may often engage in other high-risk behaviors.

This is extremely concerning for us, both as doctors and parents, because it suggests that a huge subculture exists where there is inappropriate use of painkillers and a lack of understanding about the dangers and risks involved.

One of the larger implications is the impact on long term health should they continue to misuse drugs.
The bottom line here is if you’ve got painkillers in your house for any reason, lock them up and count them on a daily basis and when you don’t need them anymore, get rid of them!

• Prescription Pain Killers and Teens
• What to Do If Your Teen or Young Adult Has a Problem with Drugs

YOUR HEALTH Radio Shows of Interest

• A Journey Back from Opioid Addiction with Renée Hodges, author of Saving Bobby: Heroes and Heroin in One Small Community
• Why Teens Take Risks and How We Can Help Keep Them Safe with Dr. Jess Shatkin, author of Born to be Wild: Why Teens Take Risks, and How We Can Help Keep Them Safe
• Healthy Youth and Risky Behavior with Dr. Hope White and Sherry Lehman