Minnesota D.A.R.E. will begin several weeks of activities and events with the main focus of Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drug Awareness.   Some of the activities during the next few days will be happening in Dodge County, Brooklyn Park, Sauk Rapids, and Hastings.

According to the some of the latest drug usage trend reports, illicit drug use is declining for teens.  Unfortunately, the use of prescription drug abuse is increasing and is currently being abused more than any illicit drug except marijuana.  Prescription drugs are being abused more than heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine combined.  (CADCA, 2008)  In 2005, over 9 million people (age 12 and older) were current users of illicit drugs other than marijuana.  Of these, 6.4 million non-medically used psychotherapeutic drugs.  If we break this down even further, 4.7 million used pain relievers, 1.8 million used tranquilizers, 1.1 million used stimulants (approx. 512,000 meth), and 272,000 sedatives. (Streetdrugs, 2008)  According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, in 2006 more than 2.1 million teens abused prescription drugs and most teens get these drugs from friends and family.  Parents are often unaware of this abuse and are not discussing the dangers to their children even though research shows that parental disapproval is one of the most effective ways to keep kids from using drugs.  These drugs can often be found in a child’s home and some teens are using these prescription and over-the-counter drugs with alcohol and other drugs.  The interaction of these combinations, often referred to as cocktails, can have serious medical complications. (ONDCP, 2008)

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