Drug abuse is a global phenomenon. It effects almost every country, although its extent and characteristics differ from region to region. Drug abuse trends around the world, especially among youth, have started to converge over the last few decades.

The most widely consumed drug world-wide is cannabis. Three-quarters of all countries report abuse of heroin and two-thirds report abuse of cocaine. Drug-related problems include increased rates of crime and violence, susceptibility to HIV/AIDS and hepatitis, demand for treatment and emergency room visits and a breakdown in social behaviour.

Parents Can Play Big Role in Keeping Teens From Misusing

Prescription Medications

More and more, kids say their parents are the most important influence when it comes to deciding whether to use drugs. So parents, more than anyone (even friends), need to know how to talk to their children about misusing prescription medications.

Prescription pain relievers, when used correctly and under a doctor's supervision, are generally safe and effective. However, abusing them or mixing them with illicit drugs or alcohol can cause serious harm. Even using prescription pain relievers with other prescription drugs (such as antidepressants) or over-the-counter medications (such as cough syrups and allergy medicines), can lead to respiratory failure.

The most dangerous prescription pain relievers are those containing opioids, such as morphine and codeine. Some common drugs containing opioids include Darvon, Demerol, Dilaudid, OxyContin, Tylenol with Codeine, and Vicodin. Common street names for these drugs are ac/dc, coties, demmies, dillies, hillbilly heroin, o.c., oxy, oxycotton, percs, and vics.

Parents can use times such as driving their teens to sports events or study dates as opportunities to talk about the risks of misusing prescription medicines-how it can interfere with schoolwork, sports, and health in general. The earlier parents discuss with their teens the risks of misusing prescriptionmedications, the better. Parents also can take the following steps:

•  Talk with their teen's physician about any drugs-prescription or over-the-counter-their teen is taking.

•  Discuss with their teenagers how drinking alcohol while taking prescription drugs can have serious-possibly deadly-consequences.

•  Discuss their teenager's medical history with the teen's doctor. Side effects caused by somedrugs may worsen other health conditions, even if the medication is used properly.

•  Read the instructions that come with their teen's medication and make sure their teen does as well. All drugs should be taken exactly as recommended.

Talk to their teens about never taking prescription drugs that have not been prescribed to them by their doctors.

Changes can be seen in individuals when they use drugs; such as:

PERSONALITY:

• Becomes disrespectful-is verbally and physically abusive
• Is angry a lot, acts paranoid or confused, or suffers from extreme mood swings
• Seems depressed and less out-going than usual
• Is secretive and lies about what he is doing and where he is going
• Is stealing or "losing" possessions he used to value
• Seems to have a lot of money, or is always asking for money
• Withdraws from the family and family activities

PHYSICAL APPERANCE:

• Not taking care of hygiene and grooming
• Not sleeping or sleeping too much
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Too hyperactive or too little energy

 SOCIAL ACTIVITY/SCHOOL PERFORMANCE:

• Drops old friends and activities
• Is skipping school
• Loses interest in school work and is getting low grades
• Is sleeping in class
• Loses concentration and is having trouble remembering things