Pubdate: Thu, 13 Feb 2003
Source: Paris News (TX)
Copyright: 2003 Paris News
Contact:  http://www.theparisnews.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/997
Author: Mary Madewell
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

YOUNG PEOPLE SELLING PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

Northeast Texas Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse officials have expressed
concern about a growing number of youth misusing prescription and
over-the-counter drugs.

Law enforcement records also have documented increased illegal prescription
drug cases.

"By the time we get them they've gotten into trouble at school or with the
police," NETCADA youth intervention/prevention specialist Allan Hubbard said
of local youth, some already with addictions.

The specialist indicated youth often overdose on over-the-counter drugs such
as popular cold, cough and flu medicines.

"Coricidin Cough and Cold is known as 'Triple C' on the streets," Hubbard
said.

The youth intervention specialist called on physicians and other adults to
be aware of the growing problem, and he urged doctors to discuss with
patients the addictive nature of some medicines and encouraged them to keep
a record of pills on hand.

"Adults should know how many pills they have at all times," Hubbard said.

"This has been the worst year in the past three I've seen," Hubbard said.
"The scariest part of all is the kids don't think this is serious or
dangerous."

Pain medicines containing hydrocodone, a derivative of codeine, have known
to be stolen and then sold in area schools. A number of other prescription
drugs also are stolen and sold on campuses, he said.

"We've been seeing clients from lots of area schools who either took stuff
from family medicine cabinets or snatched and brought it to school to sell,"
NETCADA youth intervention specialist Melissa Huie said.

"Some medicines need to be kept under lock and key," she said.

Antidepressants such as Zanax often become street drugs, Hubbard said.
Ritalin, prescribed to youngsters with attention deficit disorder, is also a
popular seller.

"These kids are also taking stimulant drugs to get high," Hubbard said,
noting prescriptions containing amphetamines are particularly dangerous when
taken improperly.

"In many cases, kids will take pills not even knowing what they are taking,"
Hubbard said. "Most of these drugs can be extremely dangerous."

Increased communication between parents and school officials is what Hubbard
recommends.

Schools require medications to be checked in at nurse's offices and parents
of children taking prescribed drugs should go to the school to make sure
their children follow procedures, Hubbard said.

"The parent role in this is key," Hubbard said. "Parents must realize they
should never let their child hand carry medicine to school."

Assessing why youth are prone to take unprescribed medicines, Hubbard said
most have some need in their lives while others do it for a thrill effect.

"Kids are growing up thinking if something bothers you, take a pill," he
said. "Sometimes it is the daring nature of it."

The specialist called on the community to be aware of the increasing drug
problem.

There is still lots of marijuana, amphetamine and alcohol being consumed by
our children, Hubbard said.

"Its going to take everyone working together on this for progress to be
made," Hubbard said.
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