NEW YORK, NY, September 26, 2006 -- On Wednesday, September 27th, the nationally-syndicated TV show Dr. Phil will explore the topic of “Generation Rx” -- teens who abuse prescription and over-the-counter medications, such as cold
and cough products, to get high. Addictive and dangerous, these substances are easy to find – they are in the cabinets and underneath the sinks in our own homes.

The Partnership worked closely with the Dr. Phil producers, sharing statistics, research, stories as well as one of our Parent Partners, Misty Fetko. Misty, a registered nurse, appears on the show to discuss the tragic loss of her 18-year-old son Carl to a lethal mix of prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

Another guest on the show, Dana, went to Dr. Phil to get help for her 16-year-old son, Josh, who she says has been experimenting with over-the-counter medicines. Dana says her son has abused cough syrup, cold medications and even an entire bottle of mouthwash -- all in an effort to obtain a cheap and easy high.

The show will also feature, 21-year-old
Misty Fetko with her son, Carl.
 Christina, who says she can't start her day without taking half a bottle of cough medicine. Her four-year addiction to “robo-tripping” is spiraling so far out of control, she fears for her life and says she believes “her days are numbered.”

Recent Partnership research shows the intentional abuse of prescription (Rx) and over-the-counter (OTC) medications to get high is now an entrenched behavior among today’s teen population. Nearly one in five teens (19 percent) report abusing prescription medications to get high; and, one in 10 (10 percent) report abusing cough medicine to get high. Abuse of Rx and OTC medications is on par or higher than the abuse of illegal drugs such as Ecstasy (8 percent), cocaine/crack (10 percent), methamphetamine (8 percent) and heroin (5 percent). Click here for more information.

Check your local listing for air times of Dr. Phil’s nationally syndicated daily one-hour show.