Head of national drug control office concerned about youth drug trends

By Staff Writer

The leader of a national anti-drug organization recently said that parents need to address their children's use of substances before addictions develop.

According to United Press International, National Drug Control Policy Director Gil Kerlikowske focused on statistics that showed an increasing number of kids who abuse prescription drugs. He reported a 17 percent annual increase in the rate of children age 12 to 17 who abused over-the-counter medication.

"Now more than ever, families must recognize early signs that children may be using drugs and take immediate action to protect them from the potential of a lifetime of drug-related consequences and harm," Kerlikowske said.

According to the news source, the U.S. Department of Health and Human services last month reported that one in 10 kids between 12 and 17 said that they used drugs. One in every five young adults between 18 and 25 admitted to using illegal substances.

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health Report: Youth Violence and Illicit Drug Use found that teenagers who use drugs are almost twice as likely to develop criminal behavior, as compared to teens who do not use drugs.