Recent Trends

In the past 5-10 years there has been a huge increase in the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs by both youth and adults.

In 2003, 4% of youth reported using prescription drugs in the past 30 days to get high according to a national survey. 

Today 10% of Rochester youth and 9% of New Hampshire youth are reporting using prescription drugs to get high in the past 30 days.  Additionally 21.8% of Rochester youth are reporting lifetime use of these types of drugs to get high.

This increase in use is alarming and something Bridging the Gaps is working to change.

As parents there are some quick and simple things you can do to help prevent your teens from accessing and misusing prescription drugs.

• Don’t keep more than a week supply out and lock the rest
• Keep track of your medications and when you should refill
• Read your label and make sure you are taking what the label says
• Talk with your service provider if you have questions or concerns