Kids using prescription drugs is a big problem – many of us know that. Unfortunately, not too many schools are up on it. Even those that do drug tests usually only test for street drugs. But following the prescription drug-related arrests of students, some New York schools are taking a proactive approach to prescription drug addiction and abuse in the hope that they can nip it in the bud.

They’ve had grades 6 through 12 fill out surveys, the teachers have had some training, and they’re having a meeting with the student leaders to figure out what they can do to get the message across.

A local trooper, Rae Ann Hickock, said she’s had to arrest many kids for prescription drugs – even handing someone one pill is considered a sale. If that pill was OxyContin, hydrodone, Vicodin, Percocet or any other narcotic, the kid has just committed a felony. Hickock also said the kids have no idea that the pills are dangerous, or that what they’re doing is illegal.

Statistics show that kids whose parents talk to them about the dangers of prescription drugs (or any drug, including alcohol) are 50% less likely to take them. If the schools also jump on the bandwagon, a lot of kids might be able to avoid drug problems, and the possibility of prescription drug rehab.

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