Schools
Youth Connect to Host Roundtable on Teen Drug Abuse
Wednesday's event includes discussion on prescription drug abuse, especially as it relates to middle and high school students.
Local physician Dr. Barbara Swan on Wednesday will facilitate the discussion “Roundtable Reality Check: Teen Prescription Drug Abuse.”
The event, sponsored by , is free and open to the public and takes place at 7 p.m. Nov. 16 the , 500 Thorn Street. Discussion will include a brief overview of what drugs are typically abused, how children are gaining access to them, and what risks are associated with abuse of prescribed medications. A question-and-answer session moderated by Swan will follow.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that among young people between the ages of 12 and 17, about 8 percent reported nonmedical use of prescription medications in the past year.
According to the 2010 Monitoring the Future survey, prescription and over-the-counter drugs are among the most commonly abused drugs by 12th graders, after alcohol, marijuana and tobacco.
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Swan will help parents and other concerned attendees understand the nature of prescription drug abuse, especially as it relates to and students.
Youth Connect is a group of concerned adults and students from schools and organizations in the area working to provide information, resources and support that young people need to avoid risky behaviors and live fulfilling lives.
For more information on Youth Connect and the upcoming presentation on prescription drug abuse, email youthconnect@hotmail.com or visit www.youthconnectnews.blogspot.com.
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