The Michigan Profile for Healthy Youth survey reveals that 13% of seventh-graders in Kalamazoo County are affected by painkiller abuse in the area in 2010.
Kalamazoo County Substance Abuse Task Force Steering Committee coordinator Sarah Baker says that kids have the notion that prescription medicines are much safer than other drugs. They are, after all, prescribed by doctors and readily available in medicine cabinets at home.
They go for Oxycontin and codeine; these two substances are at the top of the list in the survey results. These painkillers are very accessible especially when grandparents and even parents use them as advised by their doctors.
In a feature at mlive,com, it was reported that 7% of seventh-graders of Kalamazoo have used drugs like Xanax, Adderal, and Ritalin without doctor’s recommendation. Less than 5% reported alcohol abuse.
During Monday’s Task Force Steering Committee meeting, Rep. Fred Upton and other participants discussed possible control measures on the rising epidemic. Rep. Upton blames the cuts on education funds for prevention programs that may have informed parents and kids about the dangers of prescription drug abuse.
The Task Force was alarmed as supporting data show an increasing trend on painkiller abuse among the youth. Jodi Pierman, a member of the committee tells the audience why kids are favoring these medicines. “Pills are easier to conceal and make excuses for if you get caught. They’re all just sitting there in the cabinet and you can resource with your friends.”
The community is working hand in hand with authorities in controlling the problem. It was suggested that unused meds should be surrendered to health care officials for proper disposal. They have already started the initiative and in six events in different areas, a total of more than a million pills have been collected.
Tags: kalamazoo drug abuse, teen drug abuse, teen prescription drug abuse
