Ages 12-17 3 million; an increase of 212% since mid 1980s

Elderly 17 % of all elderly over the age of 55

All ages 15.1 million

<b>Opiods — </b>Used to treat pain;(OxyContin, Vicodin, Percocet, Methadone, and Codeine)<b>Central Nervous System Depressants — </b>Used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders;(Valium, Xanax)<b>Stimulants — </b>Used to treat narcolepsy and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)(Ritalin, Benzedrine, Dexedrine)

<b>Pharming/Pharm Party — </b>A party where pharmaceutical drugs are swapped, passed around, and taken indiscriminately<b>Skittles, Dex, DMX, ROBO, Syrupall — </B>forms of cold/cough medications e.g. Robotussin, cough syrup, etc.<b>Robo-Tripping; Skittling — </b>abusing codeine, cough /cold medications<b>Skippy — </b>Ritalin<b>Two Bars — </b>Xanax<b>Killer —</b> OxyContin<b>Trail Mix — </b>Bowl of pills offered at "Pharm Party"

How will I know if my teen is abusing prescription or over the counter drugs?The following may be signs that your teen is abusing prescription or over the counter drugs. Just remember, some behavior-related signs could represent "normal" teen behavior.• Your teen's grades drop• You teen shows a loss of interests in activities and hobbies.• You teen changes friends, appearance, or behavior• Your teen's patterns of eating or sleeping are disrupted• Your teen visits pro-drug sites on the internet• You find cough, cold, or prescription medicines in your child's things, but he or she is not sick• Medicines disappear from the house or medicine cabinet with no explanation• Your teen shows signs of possible drug use, such as slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, dilated pupils, sweating and difficulty walking normally

Talk to your kids• Let them know you care• Don't make excuses• Be specific about your concerns• Try to remain calm and connect with him/her• Be prepared, practice what you 'll say• Do not make the conversation a lectureListen to your kids• Be observant to changes in behavior• Monitor internet use-advertisements appear selling drugs without Dr's prescription• Know your kids' friends• Know and keep track of medications in house; may need to remove them from common area and keep in an undisclosed (possibly locked) areaGet educated• Spread the word and information with other parents