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Classical illicit recreational drugs like cocaine, ecstacy, and marajuana are sometimes difficult for teens to acquire. As a result, many are turning to their parents medicine cabinets as a source for recreational drugs.
[From the website drugabuse.gov] In 2008, 15.4 percent of 12th-graders reported using a prescription drug nonmedically within the past year. This category includes:
- amphetamines
- sedatives/barbiturates
- tranquilizers
- opiates other than heroin
- hydrocodone, oxycodone
When adolescent patient presents to the ED, consider the possibility of a poly-pharmacy overdose. Always query parents about the presence of OTC and Rx medications in their home, and what is within reach of their kids.
While sedatives and analgesics are concerning, be alert for overdoses of more mundane medications like beta blockers and calcium-channel blockers which often pose a much more lethal threat. Consider overdose in adolescent patients with:
- GI or respiratory complaints
- Altered mental status (combative or somnolent)
- Abnormal vital signs
- History of depression or psychiatric illness
Monitoring the Future Study: Trends in Prevalence of Various Drugs for 8th-Graders, 10th-Graders, and 12th-Graders
2005-2008 (in percent)*
| 8th-Graders | 10th-Graders | 12th-Graders | ||||||||||
| 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | |
| Any Illicit Drug Use | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lifetime | 21.4 | 20.9 | [19.0] | 19.6 | 38.2 | 36.1 | 35.6 | 34.1 | 50.4 | 48.2 | 46.8 | 47.4 |
Full chart available by clicking link in references.
References
http://www.drugabuse.gov/infofacts/HSYouthTrends.html