What types of drugs and other substances are commonly misused by kids and young teens?

If children and teens are experimenting with drugs and medications, there is virtually no limit to their curiOSity....everything from prescribed to over the counter (OTC) tablets, syrups, sprays, capsules and powders. The best way to protect your medications from being examined by children or teens is to keep them locked up. There are small safes and boxes with locks that can be used for this purpose.

Some common OTC types are those used for: cold, cough and allergy medicines such as Robitussin, Triaminic, Sudafed, Dextromethorphan, Claritin-D, Zyrtec-D, Primitene, Allerest and more such as sleep aids and diet pills.

Some commonly misused prescription medications are those used for treating ADD and ADHD such and Ritalin, Adderall, Vyvanse, Concerta, methylphenidate, which are all amphetamines/stimulants. Others are barbiturates such as phenobarbital and Fiorcet. Sleeping pills of all kinds and narcotics and pain killers (analgesics).

In the illegal category, there are: Meth, Crank, Crack, Marijuana/pot, heroine, Cheese, Ecstacy, LDS, MD80, MDM, and others.

A category often overlooked in suicide attempts are aspirin, antidepressants, Tylenol, Motrin and vitamins.

The safest approach is to maintain open lines of communication with children and teens and emphasize the dangers of taking any substances which are not prescribed or given on recommendation of their parents.