One In Ten CT High Schoolers Abuse Over-The-Counter Medicines

HARTFORD — Despite the spread of adolescents abusing prescription and over-the-counter medicines, parents speak less to their teenagers about these dangers than street drugs – part of a general decline in family talks about the risks of substance abuse, according to a national study released recently by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America.

The Partnership’s 19th annual Partnership Attitude Tracking Study (PATS) found a 12 percent drop in the frequency of discussions that parents had with their teens about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. In 2006, 49 percent of parents talked to their teenage children about drug and alcohol use at least four times in the past year, compared to 55 percent in 2005. The study is the only ongoing national research into parents’ attitudes and behaviors toward teen drug abuse. Conducted jointly with GfK Roper Public Affairs and Media, the 2006 PATS surveyed 1,356 parents, with a deeper analysis of parents of teens in grades 7 to 12.

Regarding the subject of conversations, 54 percent of parents report thoroughly discussing the use of drugs like heroin, cocaine, and crack with their kids. In contrast, only 36 percent of parents report having in-depth conversations about abuse of prescription medications and only 33 percent have thoroughly discussed abuse of cough and cold medicines with their teens.

The difference reflects the perception among many parents that the abuse of prescription (Rx) and over-the-counter (OTC) medications is safer than the use of illegal drugs. Nearly three out of ten parents, 27 percent, feel that prescription and over-the-counter medicine is less harmful than illegal drugs.

In the Partnership for a Drug-Free America’s 2005 teen study, nearly one in five teenagers reported using prescription stimulants, such as Adderall or Ritalin, and prescription pain relievers, such as Vicodin, OxyContin, or Tylox without a doctor’s prescription. One in ten also acknowledged taking over-the-counter cough and cold medicines containing the cough suppressant dextromethorphan (DMX) to get high. The teen study also revealed that parents underestimate teen drug experimentation; parents are less likely to think their teen tried drugs than teens actually report.

Among Connecticut public high school students, an estimated 22,500, or 13 percent, misused over-the-counter medications, according to the 2005 Connecticut School Health Survey, conducted by the state Department of Public Health. Behind alcohol and marijuana, these cough and cold medications were the third most commonly used substances to get high. The survey also showed that teens who eat with their families regularly and whose parents keep track of their whereabouts were less likely to engage in risky behaviors, including alcohol and other drug use.

Jill Spineti, president and chief executive officer of The Governor’s Prevention Partnership said the study reflects the heightened challenges parents of teens face today.

“While parents are busier than ever, today’s tech-savvy teenagers are exposed to risky behaviors earlier and from more widespread sources,” Ms Spineti said. “It’s understandable that many parents feel as though their teenagers are tuning them out. But in fact, teens will hear. Numerous studies reveal that parents’ attitudes and beliefs are a factor in a teenager’s decisionmaking. Parents who talk to their teens often about the threats of substance abuse are less likely to use than those who don’t. There’s no minimizing the importance of parents staying informed about existing and new threats and relaying their expectations in a clear, forthright manner. For parents, the risk isn’t in speaking up, it’s in staying silent.”

A guide for parents on talking about drugs and alcohol is available on The Governor Prevention Partnership’s website at www.TimetoTalk.org.

A not-for-profit organization founded in 1989, the mission of The Governor’s Prevention Partnership is to keep Connecticut’s youth safe, successful, and drug-free. The Governor’s Prevention Partnership is a state affiliate of The Partnership for a Drug-Free America.