I have been working in drug prevention for many years.� It is still troubling to me and our dedicated volunteers when we hear news reports about the possibility of drug overdose related to misuse of prescription drugs.

It is widely speculated that Michael Jackson died of a drug overdose; reportedly the same for Heath Ledger.� While celebrities attract widespread attention in the headlines, let’s not forget about our own families and children. We have a big problem here in Arizona. Kids are dying. � � 

In Arizona, 12th-graders abuse prescription drugs at twice the national rate. One in four 8th-, 10th- and 12th-graders reports using prescription drugs not prescribed to them, according to the Arizona Youth Survey. Is your child one?� 

� ntentional misuse of prescription medications is the biggest teen substance use challenge we face today. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), abusing prescription and over-the-counter drugs can be just as dangerous, addictive and even deadly as using “street” drugs. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reports that every day 2,500 teens abuse a prescription drug for the first time.

Aggravating the issue are weak perceptions of risk among both teens and their parents �“ both believe using prescription drugs is not as dangerous as using “street” drugs �“ and ease of access to teens�  �“ medicines are readily available from medicine cabinets or friends.

We need everyone’s help to address this alarming trend. Precious lives are being taken. Visit our Web site at www.PartnerUpAz.org to find helpful tips to opening the lines of communication that will go a long way in ensuring your children make healthy and responsible life-saving decisions.

Leslie Bloom

CEO

Partnership for a Drug-Free America, Arizona Affiliate