The Partnership for a Drug-Free America (PDFA) has joined with the Abbott pharmaceutical firm to sponsor a new campaign against teen prescription-drug misuse.

The "Not in My House" campaign aims to educate parents on how to limit teen access to prescription medications that are ripe for abuse. PDFA and Abbott cited studies showing that more than half of teens who reported abusing prescription medications said they got the drugs at home, from a parent or relative, or from a friend.

Moreover, some parents believe it is acceptable to give prescription drugs to teens even if they were not prescribed to their child, such as if the teen is injured, experiencing bad menstrual cramps, or is having problems sleeping, PDFA and Abbott contend.

"Teens and their parents have a false sense of security, mistakenly believing it's somehow safer to abuse prescription medication than street drugs," said PDFA CEO Steve Pasierb. "This issue demands the immediate action of parents, both by learning the facts and safeguarding medications at home as well as talking with teens about this very real threat to their health."

The website includes tips on talking to teens about prescription drugs and information on adolescent slang and culture related to such drugs. Parents are advised to inventory and monitor medications in their home. keep drugs in a secure location, and dispose of leftover or expired drugs.