TEEN PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE
Pharming, Pharm Parties, Robo-tripping, Dexing

February 08, 2009 --

Many parents do not realize that their own medicine cabinet can be a source of a variety of drugs for abuse.

You may not know what pharming is, but your teenagers do. Your first step in helping protect your teens is to speak the same language. Knowing the vocabulary surrounding prescription drug abuse can help you take a proactive approach in communicating with your teen and safeguarding their health and safety.

Teenagers turn to prescription drugs because they perceive them as less dangerous than illegal drugs. Because of this, teenage prescription drug abuse is on the rise.

In conversations with your teen about drugs, be sure to include prescription drug abuse and why it's harmful. Tell them that taking prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs without a doctor's approval and supervision can be a dangerous—even deadly—decision. Dispel the myth that these drugs are less harmful than street drugs because they are available through a doctor or at the local drug store.

The Language of Prescription Drug Abuse
Big boys, cotton, kicker

Various slang for prescription pain relievers
Chill pills, french fries, tranqs

Various slang terms for prescription drugs used by teens.

"Pharming" (pronounced "farming") From the word pharmaceutical. It means kids getting high by raiding their parents' medicine cabinets for prescription drugs to get high.

"Pharm Parties" Parties where teens bring prescription drugs from home, mix them together into a big bowl (see 'trail mix'), and grab a handful. Not surprisingly, pharm parties are usually arranged while parents are out.

"Bowling Parties" Like "pharming" - mixing medications and taking them randomly.

"Happy Little Pill Time" Sharing and taking these substances on the way to school.

Over the Counter Medications (OTC)
Over the counter medications (cough and cold medicines, pills or liquids, for example)

DXM Dextromethorphan is the active ingredient in over 100 drug products, including cough medicine.

"Robo-tripping ", "Robo-fizzing" , Skittling, Dex-ing
Abuse of cough medicine

Smurfing-buying
Medications from more than one retail store

SLANG USED FOR PRESCRIPTION DRUGS:
Pain Relievers
Oxycodone (Hillbilly Heroin)
Percocet (Percs)
Vicodin (Happy Pills, Vikes)

Depressants
Benzodiasepines (Candy, Downers, Sleeping Pills, Tranks)
Xanax (Totem Poles)
Barbiturates (Barbs, Reds, Blue Birds, Phennies, Yellow Jackets, Tooties)

Stimulants
Ritalin (Kiddy Cocaine, Vitamin R, West Coast)
Amphetamines (Bennies, Crosses, Black Beauties, Hearts, Speed, LA Turnaround, Truck Drivers, Uppers)

Cough Medicine
Triple_C, CCC, Dex, Skittles, DXM, Syrup, Tussin

Inspirations for Youth and Families specializes treating teens addicted to prescription drugs such as but not limited to: Oxycontin, Xanax, Methadone, Valium, Rohypnol,Vicodin, Adderall, Fentora, Lorcet, Lortab Coricidin, Robitussin, Triaminic, and Vicks.

We understand, we care, we treat.

Inspirations Teen Rehab, teen prescription drug addiction treatment center is not a place for serious or violent juvenile offenders, but we do understand that occasionally, teens find themselves facing legal consequences for "poor choices" such as charges for trespassing, shoplifting, underage drinking, DUI, possession of illegal substances, and other minor offenses. Inspirations understands the unfortunate circumstances that arise as a result of a teen's poor choice to act in an irresponsible manner. Not only is a legal consequence the result of a teen's poor choice regarding behavior, it may also be and indication of a greater issue such as substance abuse or addiction, a mental health issue such as depression or other diagnosis. If your family is having a difficult time dealing with a teen addicted to prescription drugs, call us at our toll free teen treatment center helpline: 1-888-757-6237

If you have any questions, please know that we are here to provide you with support and guidance, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We welcome the opportunity to answer your questions free of charge about teen prescription drug abuse and addiction, teen behavior, substance use, adolescent addiction, teen drug rehab, or other related matters. If you would prefer, please fill out our short form and one of our counselors will respond.