New survey data released yesterday by the Partnership at Drugfree.org and MetLife Foundation point to the importance of continued efforts to address teen substance abuse. Over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicine abuse rates have remained relatively stable at one in 10 (11 percent) of teens, according to the survey. The fact that OTC abuse hasn’t increased is gratifying, but the survey does highlight some disturbing information about other types of substance abuse. The study indicates that teen drug and alcohol use is headed in the wrong direction, with marked increases in teen use of marijuana and Ecstasy over the past three years. Alarmingly, the study also reveals that parents feel ill-prepared to deal with these abuse issues. Four years ago, the Five Moms set out to raise awareness among parents that some teens were abusing cough medicine to get high and to provide information on how to prevent this type of abuse. To safeguard the teens in your community, we encourage you to take the following steps:

• Educate yourself about teen behavior and drug use;
• Talk with teens about how to “say no” to medicine abuse; and
• Take action to prevent medicine abuse in your community.

You can make a difference in your community to help teens make the right decision about cough medicine abuse. We ask you to join us on Facebook and Twitter and encourage your friends to do so, too. Please keep the conversations going with neighbors, teachers, and other members of your community. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to spreading the word, The Five Moms