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Study shows dangers of buying prescriptions over the internet

By Staff Writer

Research shows that the internet can make it easier to purchase prescription drugs, causing more people to need help for addiction to these substances, according to a study published in Health Affairs. The report shows that for every 10 percent increase in high-speed internet use, treatment facility admissions for medication addictions increase by 1 percent. Treatment for alcohol, cocaine and heroin use failed to show the same correlation.

According to DrugFree.org, many teens are abusing medications, some of which were bought over the internet. Currently, about one in five youths, or 4.5 million, use prescription drugs recreationally.

The most commonly abused medications are opioids, depressants and stimulants, the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports. In terms of specific drugs, the most popular recreational prescriptions among teens are the painkiller Vicodin and amphetamines, which are stimulants.

If parents think that their teens are abusing prescription medications they may want to enroll them in schools for troubled youths. The faculty at these institutions are trained to deal with similar substance abuse issues in teenagers.

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