I recently had lunch with Dr. Bruce Baker of West Brook Recovery Center in Grand Rapids—an HPRP provider. Dr. Baker is a fascinating person and genuinely cares about the best results for his patients and health professionals.
Dr. Baker told me about the increased usage of prescription drugs among high school students. Although illicit drug usage has fallen among high school students across the country, 15.4% of 12th graders have abused prescription drugs within the past year. The most popular drugs are Vicodin, amphetamines, tranquilizers and sedatives. The majority admit to obtaining the drugs from a friend or relative and only 20% admit to purchasing from a dealer or stranger.
Perhaps reminding patients to secure their prescription drugs at home as a routine part of your counseling may decrease availability of drugs to youth.
