Study: prescription drug abuse rising most among teens
Submitted on July 7, 2005 - 12:00am.
Aleea S. Slappy - Summer 2005
WASHINGTON – The number of teenagers who admit abusing prescription drugs rose 212 percent over 11 years, according to a report released Thursday.
The 214-page report, “Under the Counter: The Diversion and Abuse of Controlled Prescription Drugs in the U.S.,” explains the findings of a three-year study of prescription drug use in the U.S. by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University.
“Today more people are abusing prescription drugs than the combined number who abuse cocaine, hallucinogens, inhalants and heroin,” said Joseph Califano, the center's chairman and president, at a news conference.
The 214-page report, “Under the Counter: The Diversion and Abuse of Controlled Prescription Drugs in the U.S.,” explains the findings of a three-year study of prescription drug use in the U.S. by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University.
“Today more people are abusing prescription drugs than the combined number who abuse cocaine, hallucinogens, inhalants and heroin,” said Joseph Califano, the center's chairman and president, at a news conference.
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