Drug Abuse Increasing in Orange County California

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Prescription drug abuse among teens has been growing in Orange County, California. Considered an epidemic by the authorities, research has shown that 1 in every 10 seniors in high school have claimed they have taken Vicodin without having a prescription. Authorities have said that teens do not expect any consequences and they don’t think about the fact that something bad could happen to them such as death. Many families have been through the death of a teen from the abuse of prescription drugs. Traffic fatalities are now outnumbered by the deaths caused by overdoses on prescription drugs. Once teens are addicted they usually go on to other drugs such as heroin which has the same effect as OxyContin but at a lower price. 

behind the orange curtainA documentary called “Behind the Orange Curtain” was shown at the Newport Beach Film Festival. This film shows the details of prescription drug abuse that has occurred in Orange County’s wealthiest areas.

The executive producer created the film after her daughter attended her first funeral for an athlete from Dana Hills High School. He died at the age of 17 from overdosing on prescription drugs. The police in the Santa Ana area have noticed that many people come from other neighboring cities to buy drugs there. For some reason they are attracted to their area and they have seen this happen all over the country as well.

Almost two years ago, Vernon Porter’s daughter died from taking a prescription medication called Opana that was given to her by a friend. Nobody bothered to call 911 because they were afraid of what would happen to them if they did call. She passed out and they left her laying there. They did not call anyone until 1 p.m. the next day. Vernon Porter has been working toward getting a Good Samaritan law passed so that help can be reached before it is too late if someone has overdosed, without the caller having to worry about being arrested.

Education is the greatest prevention for keeping children knowledgeable about the dangers of abusing drugs and drug use in general. Research has shown that the most popular ages for children to start showing an interest and becoming addicted is from 12 to 15 years old. Parents are urged to talk to their children prior to that age to make them aware. The film “Behind the Orange Curtain” gives a great deal of information and an in-depth look into the drug abuse that is happening right now in Orange County. This film is a great way to open people’s eyes to the epidemic.