By John Jensen, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
In Onslow County, North Carolina, there were almost 200 juvenile arrests made for drug related charges according to the Onslow County (Jacksonville, North Carolina) Sheriff’s Office. In 2009, the arrests for drug related charges continue. Many law enforcement officials throughout the country attribute a rise in juvenile drug use and arrests to the availability of prescriptions drugs in the homes of the children. If children have access and there is limited supervision, prescription drugs are then available to the children to use, abuse, and sell. Parents, guardians, and caregivers should be diligent in safeguarding all prescription drugs in the home. Children do not understand the dangers of drugs and often times mix up drugs. In Onslow County School for the 2007-2008 school year, there were 70 incidents involving controlled substances.
Education about drugs should begin at home. Parents should use their best efforts to know what their kids are doing and try to avoid a problem with drugs before it even begins. Yes, this is somewhat simple advice; nonetheless, many parents unknowingly have children with drug problems. Many of the drug and alcohol problems began at home with a parent who did not safeguard these dangerous substances.
You can read more about this story at Prescription Drug Abuse Among Children in North Carolina and Other States on the Rise.