'Pharming' can be deadly for teens
by Minister Delita Johnson

A pharm what?

You know, a “Pharm Party”. The “new” trend teens are indulging in, thinking that it's okay and safe and fun. They are again not considering the consequences.

This relatively new term "Pharm Party" refers to a party where prescription drugs are readily available in a potentially deadly mixture. "Pharm" is short for pharmaceuticals, which includes such drugs as Xanax, a strong tranquilizer and powerful pain killers like Vicodin and Oxycontin. Some teens even use mind altering psychotropic drugs like Zoloft, Prozac, and Wellbutrin (which are commonly advertised on television). Another term used for a pharm party is “cocktail party”; which sounds pretty familiar and almost safe.

Teens collect pills from the family medicine cabinet (collecting pills is called “pharming”), then they trade pills with friends, and friends of friends. Trading or “pharming” even takes place on chat lines on the internet. Teens seem to have selective amnesia when it comes to pharming; they forget that the medicines they are trading were not prescribed to them, but were prescribed to a family member and/or family friend. They also forget that this is stealing.

And please parents beware of online “pill mills”. Pill mills are run by people who are in the business to promote and distribute these addictive drugs to teens and others illegally via the internet.

A dangerous mix

Pharm parties are hazardous to your health. The mix of powerful and potent pain pills and tranquilizers can be deadly. Teens who attend pharm parties believe it is OK to pharm because the pills they are popping have actually been prescribed by a real physician, so they neglect the risks and side effects. Teens or young adults attending pharm parties often refer to their potential lethal concoctions as "trail mix." The "trail mix" is usually served up in large bowls or baggies and handed out to guests in the same approach as a hostess serves snacks and drinks at an officially permitted cocktail party.

According to www.drugfree.org:

• One in five teens has abused a prescription pain medication
• One in five report abusing prescription stimulants and tranquilizers
• One in 10 has abused cough medication

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health identifies four types of prescription medications that are commonly abused: pain relievers, stimulants, sedatives and tranquilizers. Eleven percent of teens (aged 12-17) reported lifetime non-medical use of pain relievers and 4 percent reported lifetime non-medical use of stimulants. It has been reported that 12-year-olds are taking medicines from the medicine cabinets to experiment.

Keep them busy

Summer break is just around the corner. Teens typically take the summer time to experiment and explore new things just because "they're bored." Thankfully, I have found something for everyone to do this summer in my household.

If your teen is not old enough to work, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities for middle-school and high school-aged students. If they are old enough to work, help them find a job. It may be a little bit harder for you to find something for your elementary-aged student, but I know that there is something out there for everyone. You just have to take the time to search. Some local churches have great summer programs for kids of all ages.

We live in a perilous world. Temptation definitely exists, and it will continue to exist until the rapture. Teens and young adults must know that temptation can be resisted. I have met several positive teen role models who are doing great things with their lives. I have met teens who are resisting, and I'm sure that in my lifetime, I will meet many more who are doing just the same.

I encourage teens to encourage one another. I know it's not easy, I've been there, done that, got a T-shirt. I know that peer pressure is real, but I also know that we can overcome. No one has to succumb to worldly desires. It's a mind thing. Try reading Romans 12:2.

I admonish all teens to turn a deaf ear (you know, "give the hand") to ignorance. And I admonish parents to "know the language" and talk to your teens about prescription drug abuse. Prescribed medicines should not be used for recreational use. Prescription drug abuse can kill you!