The release of the new Batman film, The Dark Knight, brings back to the public consciousness the untimely death of Heath Ledger from a deadly combination of prescription medications.  While for many The Dark Knight is a summer blockbuster, to parents who have teenagers, it presents a unique and important opportunity to use the death of Heath Ledger as a reason to communicate with their children about the dangers of substance abuse, and the very real risks of abusing and misusing prescription drugs.

Partnership research shows that 1 in 5 teens has abused a prescription painkiller to get high. In fact, today’s teenagers are more likely to have abused prescription medications than illicit drugslike Ecstasy, cocaine, crack, meth, and heroin.  When these medicines are abused and not used as intended, they can be every bit as dangerous, every bit as addictive, and even as deadly as street drugs.  More troubling still is the fact that a majority of teens access these medications in their home or the home of a friend.

The Partnership encourages parents to use the tragic death of Heath Ledger as an opportunity to start—or continue—conversations with their teens about prescription drug abuse. Tips and tools on talking to kids about drugs and alcohol are available from the Partnership at www.TimeToTalk.org

Parents can also take proactive action in their own homes to prevent teenage prescription drug abuse. The Partnership recommends a three-step approach: Educate, Communicate, Safeguard. Parents can:

Educate themselves about which medications can be abused and learn about the very real dangers and risks of this behavior

Communicate these risks to their kids, dispelling the notion that medicines can be safely abused

Safeguard medications by limiting access to those that can be abused, keeping track of quantities and safely disposing of medications that are no longer needed. Parents should also enlist the support of fellow parents to ensure they do the same.

Learn how to safely dispose of medications here.  www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/drugfact/factsht/proper_disposal.html

To honor the life of a loved one lost to drugs or alcohol, visit the Partnership’s Memorial site at www.drugfree.org/memorials

To post or read inspiring stories of hope and recovery, visit the Partnership’s Life After site at www.drugfree.org/lifeafter

About the Partnership for a Drug-Free America

The Partnership for a Drug-Free America is a nonprofit organization that unites parents, renowned scientists and communications professionals to help families raise healthy children. Best known for its research-based national public education programs, the Partnership motivates and equips parents to prevent their children from using drugs and alcohol, and to find help and treatment for family and friends in trouble. The centerpiece of this effort is an online resource center at drugfree.org, featuring interactive tools that translate the latest science and research on teenage behavior, addiction and treatment into easy to understand tips and tools. Research conducted by AP and MTV recently showed that kids see their parents as heroes — at drugfree.org, parents can connect with each other, tap into expert advice for children of all ages, and find the support they want and need in their role as hero to their kids. The Partnership depends on donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and other contributors. The Partnership thanks SAG/AFTRA, the advertising industry and our media partners for their ongoing generosity in helping to prevent drug abuse in America.