How do teens get prescription drugs?

Seventy percent of people age 12 and older who abuse prescription painkillers say they get them from relatives and friends, often without their knowledge.¹ Others may abuse their own prescription medicine. Teens also report that these drugs are not hard to find. About 40 percent of 12th graders say that painkillers are fairly or very easy to get, and more than half say the same of stimulants.²

Teens may also get prescription drugs by traditional drug-dealing, stealing from pharmacies or homes, "doctor-shopping," or buying them over the Internet without a prescription.

Take the first step toward safeguarding your house - and your teen - from prescription drug abuse: Take the tour

Found out your teen is abusing Rx drugs?

• Step-by-step guide
• Talk to your teen about the dangers of Rx abuse
• Build a support group