Post: New Fiction Educates Teens on the Dangers of Prescription Drugs
New Fiction Educates Teens on the Dangers of Prescription Drugs
In Rx, a new fiction book for kids 15 and up, author Tracy Lynn tells the story of an overachieving teen who turns to Ritalin to help her study. The central character develops an addiction, and starts dealing drugs to support her habit (including prescription drugs she's stolen from her parents' friends).
It's a very powerful story, not for every kid, but it will certainly shed light on an ever more prevalent problem -- especially since today's teens see ads that promise that medication can fight everything from anxiety and depression to weight problems. Lynn's book will help teens gain some insight and perspective.
Readers may be shocked by some of the facts Lynn works into her novel: After marijuana, prescription drugs -- like Ritalin, Prozac, OxyCotin and even cough syrup -- are the most abused drugs among high school students.
Here, author Lynn reveals to Common Sense Media what she learned writing her book -- and how parents can use it to start talking with their kids about this tough topic.
CSM: How did you go about researching Rx?
Tracy Lynn: I started out by reading books on drugs and addiction, and the changes in preferred types of recreational drugs over the years. I talked with psychiatrists and counselors who have worked with teenagers with drug problems, and some who had done work in communities where legal, prescription use of ADHD drugs is high.
I spoke with several "recreational" Ritalin addicts. I eavesdropped on high school aged crowds. I read many, many blogs in which teenagers write about their experiences anonymously. I have a file, way too many pages long, filled with stories of addiction, dealing, parties, and personal experiences, which inspired events in the book.
CSM: Were you surprised by what you learned?
TL : In some ways the most shocking thing is the simple casualness with which many teenagers -- and often their parents -- treat prescription drugs.
First there is the all-too-common assumption that prescription drugs, because they are "real" and/or "sanctioned," are completely safe in a way that illegal recreational drugs aren't. Kind of like the assumption that anything organic is good for you.
Then there is the unfortunate fact that many people (not just teenagers), through information gleaned from TV, books, the Internet, or even their own therapists and doctors, feel that they have a perfect understanding of drugs, diseases, and biology -- and can therefore treat themselves.
CSM: What do you hope readers learn from your book?
TL: Primarily that prescription drugs taken for the wrong reasons are as dangerous as illegal drugs. But also that addiction and self-treatment and drugs are all complicated issues that are just not being handled properly with teenagers. I know parents like Thyme's who tell their kids to "just say no," while getting drunk on the weekends, popping pain meds like mints, and trading prescription diet pills -- without even bothering to hide it. What kind of message is that?
CSM: How can parents use this book to open up conversations with their kids about prescription drug use?
TL: Any questions that the book generates, any discourse it opens up between parents and kids, would be a positive step: How do you feel about Thyme's decision to use Ritalin? Do you feel sorry for her -- or is she just another drug addict?
Do you know anyone who is abusing prescription drugs? Is there a difference between someone who sells illegal drugs and someone who sells prescription drugs? Do you feel there is a difference between taking a prescription drug for the wrong reasons -- for its side effects -- and taking a recreational drug? If so, why?
Who in the book do you think of as being the most pitiful? Who do you think is contributing to our society's dependence on pills, prescribed and not?
Even negatively phrased questions like my own dad asked, "Teenagers today aren't really like this, are they?" can elicit response and discussion.
But parents should come to the discussion educated; Rx is still a work of fiction. They should first understand and be able to explain the dangers of Nyquil, of Ritalin, of addiction itself. And they need to set the example for their children.
Tracy Lynn is the pen name Liz Braswell uses for her young adult novels. For more, including additional discussion ideas, see our review of Rx.