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Oklahoma struggles with prescription drug abuse

By Staff Writer

Parents might think that their kids are prone to using drugs, such as marijuana and cocaine, for recreational purposes. However, more law enforcement officials are warning families that troubled teens are finding new ways to get high with prescription medications.

Harrah, Oklahoma, is one of the many cities across the country struggling to control prescription drug addiction, according to The Oklahoman. More kids are finding it easy obtain drugs from their own medicine cabinets, as opposed to on the streets. Phil Stewart, a local police officer, told the news source that the problem is finding its way into the school system.

Recently, 10 students were hospitalized after abusing prescription drugs. Stewart's son was sent to the emergency room in 2010 in a similar incident, which prompted his attempts to raise awareness of the growing problem. Along with other law enforcement officials, Stewart is encouraging parents to discuss the dangers of abusing medications with their kids. Individuals are also encouraged to remove any old, unwanted prescriptions from their medicine cabinets to keep them out of the hands of children.

Unintentional poisoning was second to motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause of unintentional injury death in 2007, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Parental guidance can steer troubled teens away from substance abuse.

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