Pharmacy News Article

Mar. 1Painkillers can kill more than pain.

They killed Alec Moatz of Shoemakersville, a 16-yearold Hamburg High School student in January

His death certifi cate listed acute poisoning from oxycodone, a narcotic prescription drug.

It is one of many increasingly being abused by adolescents, and one that may lead to tragedy, especially if combined with other drugs.

"People need to be aware that prescription drug abuse is on the rise, and it's fl ying under the radar of many parents," said Tina George, a regional coordinator for the Student Assistance Program at Caron Treatment Centers near Wernersville.

George said Caron is requested to perform comprehensive drug and alcohol assessments on about 600 students in Berks each year.

"I'd have to say it's the rare case where these students haven't tried a prescription drug at least once," she said, "But we're only seeing the extreme cases, possibly the tip of the iceberg.

"There are kids having what they call 'pharm parties' where a bunch of prescription medications are thrown in a bowl and the kids mix and match, taking them to see what happens. They call it a 'fruit salad.' "

There has been an increase in teen abuse of such drugs the last five years, said Janice Styer, therapist and clinical coordinator at Caron's adolescent center.

"For many males, drug use is a rite of passage, a proving ground and a way to sex," Styer said. "For females it (drug use) is often a symptom of depression, lack of coping skills, wanting to find a way to escape."

Russell Kline, coordinator of student assistance services in the Conrad Weiser School District, called the abuse of prescription pain relievers and mood-altering drugs even more dangerous than easily detectable gateway drugs such as cigarettes and alcohol.

"We take a proactive stance here (at Conrad Weiser)," Kline said. "We have 115 students involved in a group called Students Against Destructive Decisions, where these issues are openly addressed."