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Rampant Teen Prescription Drug Abuse "Frightening"

Feb 11, 2010

More than 50 parents gathered at a San Diego high school to hear experts talk about the growing use of prescription drugs by teenagers. Speakers included DEA Special Agent Tom Lenox, San Diego Sheriff Deputy Dave Ross, and a mother who lost her 22-year-old son to prescription drug abuse. OxyContin, a powerful pain medication often prescribed to cancer patients, is quickly becoming the drug of choice among San Diego teens, Ross said. He said the kids who use OxyContin are popular and do well in school; some are athletes, while others are involved in student government. DEA's OxyContin Task Force has educated local law enforcement officers, leading to significant progress in battling the problem, especially at the Mexican border. Ross said many teens are driving down to the border, crossing over for five minutes to get their drugs, and then returning.

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Source

Del Mar Times