Survey shows that teens understand risks of intentionally abusing OTC meds

WASHINGTON According to the 20th annual Partnership Attitude Tracking Survey, a national study of teen behavior and attitudes about drugs and alcohol, an increased number of teens view the intentional abuse of OTC cough medicines as risky, the Partnership for a Drug-Free America stated last week.

PATS indicates that 48% of teens now understand this abuse is dangerous, up significantly from 45% in 2007.

“We welcome this new data as a signal that the efforts of the leading makers of over-the-counter cough medicines in past years is making a difference,” said Linda Suydam, president, Consumer Healthcare Products Association. “Our member companies are steadfast in their commitment to prevent teen cough medicine abuse. But, we know that our work is far from over." Suydam said. “With the help of such partners as the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, and D.A.R.E. America, we will continue our efforts to make sure all parents are aware of this substance abuse behavior and talk with their children about it.”

Lifetime abuse rates among teens for OTC cough medicines has not increased from previous PATS data and has remained relatively flat over the past few years: 10%, or roughly 2.4 million teens, report ever having abused an OTC cough medicine to get high. Federal research released in December 2008 shows a slight overall decrease in annual OTC abuse rates among teens.

“More teens seeing the abuse of cough medicine as dangerous is a very positive indication,” said Steve Pasierb, president, CEO, the Partnership for a Drug-Free America. “The study shows that 37% of teens reported learning a lot about the risks of drug abuse from their parents — a significant 16% increase from the previous year.”