AHS Views

Some people become addicted to prescription drugs after getting them from their doctor for surgery, injury or illness. But, for many, the drug problem starts by ‘borrowing’ a drug from a friend’s or parents’ medicine cabinet – a Xanax to help them sleep or a Vicodin for a headache. As a drug counselor I’ve run into a lot of people who got started that way, and eventually contacted me to help them find a drug rehab program.
 
A recent study from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that more than ten percent of 12 to 17-year-olds have taken prescription drugs from their parents, other relatives, or their friends without asking.

80% of parents say they keep their prescription drugs in a place where they’re inaccessible. I find that hard to believe. They may think their kids don’t have access to them, but I wouldn’t count on it.

Seriously, if you’re a parent and taking drugs that could be dangerous, your best bet is to get through a drug rehab program yourself. You’ll kill a few birds with one stone – there won’t be drugs around the house for your kids to get, you’ll be setting a good example, and you’ll be off drugs yourself.