The deaths of Heath Ledger and Anna Nicole Smith showed the nation how easy it is to overdose on a lethal combination of prescription drugs. The death of Michael Jackson, who was taking a 10-plus cocktail of pills nightly, is again highlighting the problem of prescription drug abuse. In a time when teen use of illegal drugs is actually down among young people, teen abuse of prescription drugs is actually on the rise.

As many as one in five teens say they have taken a prescription drug without having a prescription for it themselves in their lifetime, and as many as one in 10 have done so in the past year, according to new research from the Partnership for a Drug Free America (PDFA).

That includes everything from amphetamines commonly prescribed for Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), such as Ritalin and Adderral, to pain killers like Xanex, Vicodin and OxyCotin.

In addition, about 7% of teens have reported using over-the-counter cough medicine to get high during the past year, says PDFA. The cold remedies are valued for an ingredient called dextromethorphan, which can cause hallucinations.

The main sources of these drugs are the medicine cabinets in their homes and their friends’ homes. Teens mistakenly think that because the meds are prescribed or over-the-counter, they’re safer than alcohol or illegal drugs such as marijuana. The truth is that pain meds are in the same exact class as heroin and morphine, and are extremely addictive.

Taking them with alcohol, as many teens do, presents additional dangers.

What can you do?

• Know someone who is pill-popping meds to get high? Show them this article!
• Is prescription drug use a problem at your school and/or camp? Have an awareness campaign!