Study shows declines in opioid and benzodiazepine prescribing, increased parental monitoring
A new study has found that the decline in prescription drug misuse among teenagers in the United States is linked to decreases in prescribing of opioids and benzodiazepines, as well as increased parental monitoring of prescription drug use.
The study, which was published in the journal Pediatrics, analyzed data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) from 2002 to 2018. The researchers found that the percentage of teenagers who misused prescription opioids decreased from 5.3% in 2002 to 1.7% in 2018, and the percentage who misused prescription benzodiazepines decreased from 3.3% to 1.3% during the same period.
The researchers also found that the percentage of teenagers who had talked to their parents about prescription drug use increased from 37.5% in 2002 to 51.2% in 2018. This increase in parental monitoring was associated with a decrease in prescription drug misuse.
The study’s findings suggest that efforts to reduce prescription drug misuse among teenagers should focus on reducing prescribing of opioids and benzodiazepines, and increasing parental monitoring of prescription drug use.
Implications for parents
- Talk to your children about the risks of prescription drug misuse.
- Monitor your children’s use of prescription drugs.
- Store prescription drugs in a safe place.
- Dispose of unused prescription drugs properly.
If you are concerned about your child’s use of prescription drugs, talk to your child’s doctor.
Kind regards J. Greer.
Children’s health News & Trends
