America's Other Drug Problem

Recently there has been media attention about the epidemic of stimulant drug use and abuse among high school and college students.  The misuse of prescription drugs can lead to addiction, overdose and death.  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has classified prescription drug abuse as an epidemic.  Thanks to the programs that challenge America's youth to "just say no to drugs" illicit drug use has declined slightly but prescription drug abuse has risen sharply.  Prescription medications do have a legitimate medical purpose and can be beneficial when used properly under a doctor's supervision but it's time for physicians, parents, government officials and educators to call attention to this problem and curb the use and abuse of prescription drugs.

Sue Parry is a consumer advocate, a retired occupational therapist and has testified before the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Mental Health.  She is a member of The National Physicians Alliance, The International Society for Ethical Psychiatry and Psychology and Mothers Against Medical Errors.