Drug & Alcohol Rehab Centers near Poway, CA

Prescription drug use by teens has been a rising concern among parents and clinicians across the country. Throughout San Diego County, the problem has grown to such an extent that the local Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) sponsored a 2010 conference on the issue.

According to research compiled by the HHSA, 2,500 youths ages 12 to 17 engage in first-time prescription drug use on a daily basis. In San Diego County alone, one in four youths abuse prescription meds at some point in their teens. To counter these growing problems, the county established the Prescription Drug Task Force to collect unused meds from local residents. As of 2010, the force had gathered 2,800 pounds of unused medications and set up 22 drop-off boxes around the county.

*What Types of Prescription Drugs Are Commonly Misused?

The HHSA states that prescription drugs rank second to marijuana in terms of abuse among teens. Commonly abused prescription drugs, which are usually passed around amongst peer groups, include the following:

• Barbiturates (mephobarbital, pentobarbital, butalbital)
• Benzodiazepines (alprazolamm, diazepam, estazolam)
• Opiates (morphine, codeine, hydrocodone, propoxyphene)
• Stimulants (Adderall, dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate)

Efforts are being made within the county to eradicate prescription drug abuse, but the fight is far from over. If prescription drug misuse is afflicting your children, parents or another loved one, give us a call to learn about effective treatment options in and around Poway.