NIDA Reaches Out to Teens During "Talk About Prescriptions Month"

October is "Talk About Prescriptions Month," and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is launching a prescription drug abuse education video to promote the observance.

In the new video, NIDA scientists Cindy Miner, Ph.D., and Joni Rutter, Ph.D., explain the risks and dangers of abusing painkillers. By watching the video featured on the NIDA for Teens Web site, teens can learn about these dangers and some safety tips to keep in mind when they get a prescription from their doctors.

Every day in the United States, 2,500 American teens age 12 to 17 illegally take a prescription pain reliever for the first time. Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem across the United States. According to a NIDA survey, more than 16 million Americans age 12 and older took a prescription pain reliever, tranquilizer, stimulant, or sedative-just for the effect-at least once in the previous year.

In addition to the new painkillers video, NIDA offers teens other resources about the dangers of prescription drug abuse, such as the Sara Bellum Blog. For more information on prescription drug abuse, visit the NIDA Web site.