News & Features

Michael Jackson: An Important Time to Talk to Your Kids About Rx Abuse

by Partnership Editorial Staff

Michael Jackson

With Michael Jackson's untimely death on Thursday, there has been much speculation that his prescription drug use may have played a role. It may turn out, once we learn the cause of death, that this was not the case. It may turn out that the drugs were legally prescribed.

In any event, this is a particularly important time for parents to talk to their children and explain that the abuse of otherwise beneficial medicine is dangerous (only 24 percent of teens report that their parents have discussed the dangers of abusing prescription drugs), and to safeguard unused prescription medicines in their own homes.

Teens abuse prescription drugs because they are easily accessible, and either free or inexpensive – they often get them from the medicine cabinet at home or from friends. In fact, 64 percent of kids ages 12 to 17 who have abused pain relievers say they got them from their friends or relatives, typically without their knowledge.

Learn, Connect, Share, Get Help

Please visit our online communities
and resources to help teens &
young adults stay drug-free.
Learn more.

Parents are in an influential position to immediately help reduce teen access to prescription drugs. Be sure to keep track of how many pills you have in your home and secure your prescriptions the same way you would other valuables in your home, like jewelry or cash. Lastly, dispose of any expired or unused pills to decrease the opportunity for your teens or their friends to abuse your medications.

Comments

(1)
  1. sherrymcg

    I am a bereaved parent having lost my 31-year-old son to drug addiction. I know the heartache suffered by Michael Jackson’s family. It doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor, black or white, young or old,educated or not. Addiction is an equal opportunity destroyer of lives.

    This article focus on talking to your kids about addiction early on. I have been stressing this for the past 6 1/2 years. It cannot be too early to talk to your kids about addiction but it can be too late.

    Please visit my site at http://www.theaddictionmonster.com to learn more about this insidious disease. I am the author of 3 books on drugs and addiction. My 3rd book is aimed specifically at the 10 years old and up age group. We must reach these kids EARLY to try to prevent them from going down the same path as Michael Jackson and all the other people lost to addiction.

    It isn’t just heroin and cocaine that we have to worry about now – it’s the prescription drugs!!! They are now the big killers. Please talk to your kids about drugs, arm yourself with as much information as you can. Their lives and your sanity are at stake.

    by sherrymcg June 29, 2009

Leave a Comment

You need to be logged in to leave a comment.



Not a Member?

Sign up to join the discussion and receive updates in your email.