Review Template

Name:  Faten K. Alghamdi

Date  November 11, 2014

Blog Review 2

Name of Blog Post: Teen Prescription Drug Abuse

Peer review article citation in APA format: Elliotee, E. T., Souder, C. A., Privette, T., and Richardson, W. H. (2008).  Teen Prescription Drug Abuse.  Clinician Reviews, 18(11), 18-23.

The focus of the research was to highlight an alarming increase in the use of nonmedical purpose drugs by teens.   Abuse of prescribed drugs increase the risk of accidental disability and death because of overdose, addiction, or toxication.   The research indicates the main reason for abusing prescribed drugs is the perception among teens that those drugs are safer than street drugs.  However, they miss to learn that those drugs are controlled substances for reasons that might harm the body if abused or taken for a long period of time. 

The blog was informative but the main discussion seems to counterpart the article message, which is to alert of an increasing abuse of medication drugs among teenagers.   I believe the blog lacked to support the reasons that make abusers seek prescribed drugs over other drugs available in the streets.   I agree there are many factors where drug abuse is more epidemic, such as demographical pattern, race, age, and population of cities.   More importantly, the peer-reviewed-paper focuses on the relationship between availability of medical drugs, the perception of it being safer, and assigning responsibilities.  In my opinion, the control starts from the doctor’s office and then at home to limit and monitor the use of medical drugs.  In addition, controlling drug abuse is a responsibility of a community including schools, churches, and home.  It is important to educate teenagers about the purpose of prescribed drugs, the importance of using it as prescribed by the doctor, and learning the harmful consequences of abuse.