Georgia begins talks of a new drug monitoring program

In an effort to curb prescription medication abuse, many states are developing drug tracking system to monitor where controlled substances are being distributed.

For instance, Georgia lawmakers are exploring the idea of creating a prescription drug monitoring system, The Augusta Chronicle reports.

Under the proposal, doctors and pharmacists who suspect an individual seeking medication is an addict or a drug dealer could track the patient's prescription history for up to two years. This plan could potentially curb the distribution of prescription medication such as Vicodin and Oxycontin to teens.

"Do not think this database is going to be out there for someone to go and be looking at to find out information about their neighbors," Buddy Carter, state senator, told the news source.

Family communication can prevent troubled teens from engaging in risky behaviors such as prescription drug abuse.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, nearly 2 million teens between ages 12 and 17 abused prescription drug in 2008. Approximately, 1.6 million used painkillers recreationally.