Prescription drug abuse

Eloise GrahamStaff WriterThe prescription medication abuse trend is spiraling into a national epidemic, taking the lives of teenagers dealing with the daily struggles of adolescence and academics. This abuse, called "diverted prescription medication" is defined as the perverted use of prescribed drugs.Use of illegal drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, MDMA (Ecstasy) and crystal meth at Samo have more than doubled since last school year, but the Santa Monica Police Department has also found a new trend in diverted prescription medication. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 15.2 million Americans 12 and older have taken a prescription pain reliever, tranquilizer, stimulant or sedative for non-medical purposes at least once. According to the University of Michigan, 2.9 percent of eighth graders, 6.7 percent of tenth graders and 9.7 percent of 12th graders have abused Vicodin for non-medical purposes at least once this year. Also, 2.1 percent of eighth graders, 3.6 percent of tenth graders and 9.7 percent of 12th graders have abused Oxycontin for non-medical purposes at least once this year."There is no answer as to why it has increased," Santa Monica Police Sgt. Greg Smiley said.Until we find an answer, all there is to do is catch, teach and release. Sooner or later they will have to catch on; if not, the consequences will worsen.egraham@thesamohi.com