Campaign begins to warn parents about teen prescription abuse

The Nevada Department of Public Safety and the State Board of Pharmacy are beginning a campaign to warn parents about the growing problem of teens who abuse prescription drugs.

According to the PHARM-Net Task Force, nearly 30 percent of Nevada teens between the ages of 12 and 17 have abused prescription drugs - most commonly painkillers such as Vicodin. Investigators say teens have told them prescription drugs are an inexpensive high that is easier to get, conceal, and take without drawing suspicion.

The public service announcement was designed to emphasize the serious medical consequences of prescription drug abuse including vomiting, skin rash and hair loss.

The focus is on parents' responsibility to keep prescription drugs away from their children and how important it is to talk to them about the seriousness of abuse.

For information about prescription drug abuse, visit www.painfullyobvious.com, or contact the Prescription Controlled Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force toll free at 1-888-8-TEENRX.