Some studies argue that the reason pharming parties are so popular is because there isn’t as much stigma in mixing legal drugs as there is in buying illegal substances from dealers. Price is a factor as well because teens don’t have to pay for illicit drugs on the streets—they can just steal them from their parents’ medicine cabinets. Lastly, teens don’t see pharming parties as dangerous, because they’re using legal, readily available drugs.
The link below is a news clip from CBS investigating this new trend of drug-taking behavior.
Nurses and parents should not treat this situation lightly. One of the reasons that teens are so cavalier about pharming parties is because adults are just as casual about prescription drugs; most parents don’t think these drugs can be abused.
Parents should establish a positive, trusting relationship with their teens. The first step in doing that is communication. When good communication is built, the parents and their teens are more open to talking about “uncomfortable” subjects such as drug abuse.
Nurses should take proactive measures against pharming parties. Go to the local schools and offer resources and information about mixing drugs (what drugs do to the brain, the dangers of addiction, etc.). Lesson plans and video features on the subject can help nurses inform students that drug mixing is dangerous and life threatening.
Sources:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2008
http://www.family.samhsa.gov/talk/prescrip03-07-03.pdf
Mary Pat Flaherty, 2005
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/07/AR2005070701180.html
Carolyn Banta, 2005
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1086173-2,00.html
National Institutes of Health, 2009
http://www.nida.nih.gov/drugpages/prescription.html
Adults do it too. Why are people so focused on teenagers? Society as a whole is sick and looking for ways to self-medicate.
ReplyDeleteinteresting. ive never seen these pharm parties when i was in high shcool, but it sounds crazy, and dangerous
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of pharm parties before. This is an eye opener for parents everywhere.
ReplyDeleteWas in incredibly sheltered in high school? Or even now for that matter? I have no idea where in the world I'd begin to look for a pharm party.
ReplyDeletePharm Parties is shocking and surprising. The thought of taking a handful of pills is scary. The reason why people are not aware or know about pharm parties is because young adults are hiding the fact they are participating in these events. Yes, adults do take part in these affairs, but more commonly found in teens because of having less financial income and they are less educated of the potential consequences.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe this actually happens... that's really scary to think how dumb kids can be.
ReplyDeleteDon't seem shocked, this has been going on for years! Maybe not in a "party" since, but getting the pills from parents, grandparents, friends houses etc. and sharing or selling them with friends. Also, be aware of addicts who will go through your medicine cabinets, drawers, etc. A good solution and a safety device for small children in the home is to purchase a small safe or lockbox to put all medications in. Believe it or not this idea was given to me by a minister who had a problem with people taking medication from his home. If they want the drugs they'll go to any measure to try and get them. Don't make it easy!!
ReplyDeleteThat is very scary, but very important for parents to be aware so they can stay informed. Maybe parents should consider keeping medicine locked up so that they cannot get a hold of it without asking.
ReplyDeleteIluv2hunt59
ReplyDeletePharm parties are not a surprise to some people. To others, this might be new information to them and they are shocked about it. It’s different for many people. Factors such as community, social organization, schools, work and education can be a reason why people know or not know about pharm parties. Yes you are right about this has been going on for a long time. We are aware that addicts will scavenge for drugs through medicine cabinets of their or other people’s homes. By putting all the information together, and explaining it through the subject of pharm parties, allows all the information come together.
Its scary to think about what teens now a days are doing behind their parents backs but what is even scarier is what these kids might be taking at these pharm parties all for just a little high.
ReplyDelete