Campaign Aimed at Teen Prescription Drug Abuse

To combat a growing trend in the use of prescription drugs by teens, a nationwide initiative has been launched to help educate and equip those in position to influence teens. The campaign, "Maximizing Your Role as a Teen Influencer: What You Can Do to Help Prevent Teen Prescription Drug Abuse," was initiated by the National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE).

The campaign includes a complete workshop module that can be used to create a one-hour presentation to teens on prescription drug abuse.

The campaign was launched NCPIE with the help of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and representatives from 15 prevention, health professional and child advocacy organizations.

People Who Can Influence Teens

The workshop materials are designed to be used by people who are in the position to influence teens, such as:

• Parents
  
• Grandparents
  
• Teachers
  
• Coaches
  
• School administrators
  
• Guidance counselors
  
• School nurses
  
• School resource officers
  
• Community-based healthcare professionals - including prescribers, pharmacists, nurses.

Complete Workshop Materials

At the NCPIE website, TalkAboutRX.org all parts of the workshop module - handouts and instructions, as well as real-life scenarios and information about warning signs and symptoms, common myths about teen prescription drug abuse, brochures and sample promotional materials - can be downloaded for free.

• Power Point Presentation
  
• Workshop Presenter's Guide (PDF)
  
• Key Messages for Teens
  

The project was funded by SAMHSA and additional funding from Purdue Pharma LP and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation.

Related Information:

• Is Your Teenager Using Drugs or Alcohol?
  
• Teen Drinking - Not Just a Phase
  
• How to Talk to Kids about Alcohol

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