7 Healthcast: Teen drug campaign

Prescription medications are the new drugs of choice for teenagers, second only to marijuana according to government statistics.

"The medicine cabinet in our home is the new threat," said U.S. Drug Czar John Walters.

Teens who use them say prescription medicines, like painkillers, stimulants and sleep aids, are easy to get, and usually free because they take them from their parents, friends or neighbors.

What they may not know is how deadly the medications can be.

Phil Bauer found the body of his 18-year-old son with a bag of pills nearby, the victim of a lethal concoction of prescription medications.

"I urge all of you to talk to your kids about the dangers of prescription drugs because mark is just as dead as if he died of heroine," Bauer said.

The office of the White House Drug Czar is launching a $30 million advertising campaign to educate parents about the dangers of prescription drug abuse among teens.

It's hoped parents will get the message and do their part to help stop what's considered a significant public health threat.

The public service announcements will air for the first time during the super bowl next Sunday. The campaign will also include print ads.

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