Uuuuummmmm can you really get high off of Tylenol? Maybe Canadian Tylenol but still WTF? Grimm do you know anything about this??
10News.com
Kids Abusing Over-The-Counter Drugs Is Growing Trend
California Walk For Recovery Raises Money For Substance Abuse Programs
POSTED: 5:16 pm PST March 16, 2006
UPDATED: 5:50 pm PST March 16, 2006
SAN DIEGO -- When you think of drug abuse, you probably think of crystal meth, pot or even alcohol, but there's a new dangerous trend involving the typical pills in your medicine cabinet.
You think of these medicines as not only safe, but helpful and usually they are, unless they get into the wrong hands.
"I wanted to try something new. (I) went to a store, stole them with friends and I used some," said Tara, who didn't want to disclose her last name.
Tara, 16, is a recovering addict of over-the-counter drugs.
"I started (taking) six pill then ended up taking 18," Tara said.
She became very ill the last time, which made her get help. She was lucky because overdoses can cause liver damage, even death.
"Tylenol is dangerous. (It's) something kids can get a hold of. (They) think it's safe (because it's) not prescribed, and they misuse it," said emergency trauma R.N. Sandy Dewees.
Medical and heath professionals met Thursday to figure out ways to slow this growing trend.
A 2004 study found prescription and over-the-counter drug abuse on par with illicit drug use in the U.S.
The study found 1 in 5 teens has abused pain medicine, 1 in 10 has abused stimulants and 1 in 11 has abused cough medicine, 10News reported.
"They think it's cleaner (and) OK because (it) comes from the doctor or it's prescribed, but it's abused," said John Woo, with Pharmaceutical Enforcement.
So what should parents do? They should spend time with their kids, monitor their activity and ask questions. They should also look out for the warning signs.
"The normal things you need to look out for are attendance at school, dropping grades and taking time away from the home," said Chuck Williams, with Mental Health Systems.
If there is drug abuse, seek help. Tara is now on the road to recovery.
"It's changed my life and it's great," said Tara.
One way you can support the effort to stop teen drug abuse is to support the California Walk For Recovery.
It will take place Sunday, March 26 in Balboa Park starting at 7 a.m.
The walk raises money for susbtance abuse programs for teens and adults.
For more information on the walk, go to WalkForRecovery.org.
Copyright 2006 by 10News.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed
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