Drug Abuse Resources

A new report from the National Center Of Drug Control Policy, shows more teens than ever — more than two million — are using prescription drugs to get high. Only marijuana is more popular. Find out more about how to spot possible drug use in your children or grandchildren.

What Are Some Warning Signs Of Drug Abuse?

Signs of possible drug use you may spot in your home include:

Loss of interest in family activities;

Withdrawal from responsibilities;

Sudden increase or decrease in appetite;

Spending a lot of time in their rooms

Signs of possible drug use you may spot at school:

Sudden drop in grades;

Truancy;

Loss of interest in learning;

Defiant of authority

Some physical and emotional signs may be:

Changes friends;

Smell of alcohol or marijuana on breath or body;

Unexplainable mood swings and behavior

Overly tired or hyperactive

Has Much Has Teen Drug Abuse Declined?

According to the Monitoring the Future Study—the largest survey on teen drug use in the United States—there has been a 23 percent reduction in the number of young people using drugs since 2001. This includes a 25 percent reduction in the number of teens using marijuana and a 41 percent decline in meth use among youth since 2001.

How Many Abuse Prescription Drugs?

Prescription drug abuse ranks second only to marijuana as the nation's largest illegal drug problem, with nearly 6.4 million people reporting the non-medical use of prescription drugs.

Where Are Teens Getting Prescription Drugs?

According to Parents, The Anti-Drug, Teens are taking prescription pain relievers and over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines to get high. They are getting them easily from their own homes, or the homes of other relatives and friends. Nearly half (47%) of teens say they get prescription drugs for free from a relative or friend. Ten percent say they buy pain relievers from a friend or relative, and another 10 percent say they took drugs without asking.

To Learn More About This Study:

• To read the full report, The President's National Drug Control Strategy, click here.

• Click here for comprehensive data on major drug categories and special populations from the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

• The National Clearinghouse For Alcohol And Drug Information has resources on prevention.

• The National Center On Addiction And Substance Abuse At Columbia University has additional resources.

• The National Institute Of Drug Abuse has information about addiction prevention.

• Parents The Anti-Drug has tips on how to safely store medications in your home.