On Wednesday evening, November 16th, Youth Connect will present Dr. Barbara Swan, local physcian, who will facilitate a discussion entitled "Roundtable Reality Check: Teen Prescription Drug Abuse". The format for the event is a brief overview of what drugs are typically abused, how children are gaining access to them, and what risks are associated with abuse of prescribed medications, followed by a Question and Answer session moderated by Dr. Swan.
NIDA, or The National Institute on Drug Abuse (www.teens.drugabuse.gov), states that, among youth who are 12 to 17 years old, 7.7 percent reported past-year nonmedical use of prescription medications. According to the 2010 Monitoring the Future survey, prescription and over-the-counter drugs are among the most commonly abused drugs by 12th graders, after alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco. Youth who abuse prescription medications are also more likely to report use of other drugs. Dr. Swan will help parents and other concerned attendees understand the nature of prescription drug abuse, especially as it relates to middle and high school students.
The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place at the Sewickley Public Library, 500 Thorn Street, in Sewickley, starting at 7 pm. Youth Connect is a group of concerned adults and students from schools and organizations in the Sewickley area working to provide the information, resources, and support our young people need to avoid risky behaviors and enjoy their teen years.
For more information on Youth Connect and the upcoming presentation on prescription drug abuse, email youthconnect@hotmail.com.
