Kids are still taking drugs to get high, but illicit drugs are no longer the biggest threat. Instead, teens are abusing prescription drugs these days and they are getting them from unsuspecting parents and family members. Many parents are unaware of this growing problem, but allowing your teen access to pain killers, anti depressants and ADD drugs in particular can be deadly.

These are highly addictive and dangerous drugs, and they are considered very desirable by teens. Lock up your medicines. Put it all in one place and keep it under lock and key. Some people may think that is an extreme measure, but when teens and their friends are in and out of your house all the time, it can be very easy for them to slip away with a few pills unnoticed.

These days the first place that teens claim to get their drugs from is their own home, either from the bathroom or other places around the house. The second most popular place to score is from other relatives homes, so if you are planning a visit to a relatives house, or if you are in close enough proximity that your kids spend a good amount of time at a relatives house, you should make them aware of this problem as well.

No family or parent wants to think that something like this could happen to their teen, but it is an important fact that must be faced. Sometimes children won’t take the drugs themselves, but instead will sell them to others at school. Peer pressure is powerful factors in the lives of teenagers and they sometimes will try things that they otherwise would never consider doing.

Don’t let your child’s privacy get in the way of doing your job as a parent. When signals arise, keep your eyes open and stay in touch with your teen. Pay attention to their internet use. Check out their backpack periodically, and if you find something don’t be afraid to call your child on it. Better safe than sorry. You are the best deterrent your teens have to help keep them on the right path.