Reference no: EM132568745

Painkillers are the most widely prescribed "prescription medications" employed for adolescents. Research have found that children are addicted to opioid medications at a relatively young age. Statistics in 2008 found that 2.9% of 8th graders had exploited Vicodin for non-medical purposes. Interestingly for the 10th graders, the number was 6.7 % and escalating among the 12th graders at 9.7 %. In comparison, 2.1 % of 8th graders, 3.6 % of 10th graders and 4.7 % of 12th graders confirmed using Oxycontin without a prescription (obtaining it illegally). Our youth are always at high risk for substance abuse because of family tension, low academic performance, social difficulties, family history of mental health issues and peer pressure. Youth further at risk are those who have suffered with cognitive or psychological problems or had difficulty managing impulsive behaviors. The National Center of Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University reported that depression, pain and money matters are significant factors in adolescent drug abuse. The study also reported that "teens under high amounts of stress are twice as likely as others to abuse prescription drugs (Juvenile Drug Abuse)." Likewise, with teenagers who are depressed, they are 50% more likely to take part in these activities, and those with $25 plus per week (as spending money) are twice more likely to try prescription drugs. Also, the ease of availability can influence teens to experiment with drugs. The "National Survey of American Attitudes on Substance Abuse Teens and Parents," show that illicit drugs are frequently kept, used, or sold on school grounds, or in schools. Approximately 64 % of high school students and 23 % of middle school students indicated that narcotics were accessible on their school grounds.