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Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem in New Jersey. Approximately 27,000 adolescents in the state age 12-17 used pain relievers for nonmedical use per year during 2013-2014.¹

According to school officials in Ridgewood, there has been a significant increase in the number of students abusing prescription drugs. In a 2017 letter to parents, Ridgewood high school and middle school principals expressed concern to parents about the increase in prescription drug use.²

School officials said that classes of drugs most often abused by students in the district include:²

• Pain relievers such as Vicodin, Percocet, and OxyContin.
• Stimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall.
• Sedatives such as Xanax and Valium.

Students may use drugs for a variety of reasons. There is a tremendous amount of pressure to fit in and excel academically in middle and high school, which can contribute to prescription drug abuse among students. Students often use stimulant drugs like Ritalin and Adderall to help them study for tests.²

Many teens incorrectly believe that prescription drugs are a safer alternative to street drugs like heroin. But misusing any drug is a risk to the student’s health. Mixing prescription drugs with alcohol or other drugs may make a person more likely to experience adverse events such as heart attack, overdose, or death.²

Many parents don’t want to believe their child could be abusing prescription drugs. However, it’s important to be aware of the warning signs and understand how to seek help if needed. Ridgewood officials provided the following tips for parents to help their child or prevent prescription drug abuse:²

• Check in with your child periodically about how they are doing.
• Suggest healthy ways for your child to cope with stress.
• Keep all medications safely locked up.
• Dispose of old or expired prescription medications appropriately.
• If you notice that your prescription medications are missing, talk with your child.
• Look for warning signs of drug abuse, such as hyperactivity, sweating, weight loss, slurred speech, loss of coordination, mood changes, hanging out with different friends, and poor hygiene.

If you believe that your teen is abusing prescription medications, you can search for treatment options in Ridgewood or other areas using our directory.

Sources

1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2015). Behavioral Health Barometer New Jersey, 2015.

2. Ridgewood Public Schools. (2017). Letter to Parents on Prescription Drug Use Among Students.