Bonners Ferry Local Guide including all of Boundary County Idaho

Fatal Abuse: Teens know what "pharming" is - do you?

Friday, February 16, 2007; KREM

They're easier to get, but just as dangrous as illicit drugs, teens are now turning to prescription meds to get high. Experts are alarmed by what they're seeing with this new drug trend. The Washington State Department of Health reported an 800% jump in prescription drug abuse deaths in its most recent numbers. The Greater Spokane's Substance Abuse Council is used to dealing with meth, But Director Dean Wells says while most know meth is so dangerous, they underestimate the power of prescriptions. "Availability definitely is an issue," says Wells. "But what we see even more than that perception that it's got to be safe, [is that if] it's prescribed by a doctor, it can't hurt me." - Full Story