In recent years there have been reductions in the rates of illicit drug use among adolescents. Current marijuana use decreased from 27% in 1999 to 20% in 2007. Lifetime use of ecstasy among high-school students decreased from 11% in 2003 to 6% in 2007. Hallucinogenic drug use decreased from 13% in 2001 to 8% in 2007.12 Although illicit drug use has declined among youths, rates of nonmedical use of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, including pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants, and depressants, remain high. These easily accessible drugs are falsely believed to be safer than illicit drugs; however, misuse of prescription and OTC medications can cause serious health effects, addiction, and death.7,13,14
