The main reasons for the increase in addiction to prescription painkillers in teens are the three A’s accessibility, apathy, and acceptance.
Accessibility – as near as any parent’s medicine cabinet.
Apathy- the attitude in the US is “medicate to feel great”. This is reinforced by large advertising campaigns, and celebrity endorsements which obviously influence attitudes and behaviors.
Lastly acceptance- prescription painkillers are not considered street drugs, and since technically a doctor’s prescription is needed they are thought to be ok.
These three situations are a recipe for disaster for teens and adults alike because by the time anyone knows there is a problem most are deep into their addiction both psychologically as well as chemically.
