From 1995 to 2005, the number of drug-treatment patients who sought help for prescription drug abuse increased by over 300 percent. This is one of the statistics that has prompted the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy to initiate a $14 million campaign to raise awareness and educate parents about teenage prescription-drug abuse.

"The campaign began with television ads during this year's Super Bowl, and it will continue with broadcast, print, and online advertising, as well as community outreach and online research for parents."

In the latest study by Partnership for a Drug Free America, one in five teens admitted to abusing prescription painkillers, and one in five also admitted to abusing prescription stimulants and tranquilizers. Prescription drugs are more commonly abused by teenagers than cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine combined. Read more at DailyIowan.com.

Labels: awareness, prescription_drug_abuse, treatment_programs