Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) has collaborated with law enforcement, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers Association (PhRMA), and a host of advocacy groups and government agencies to develop a new curriculum to counter the abuse of prescription and OTC drugs.

The curriculum has components for students, as well as presentations for parents. A survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Center for Substance Abuse Treatment found that, although the abuse of illegal drugs is declining, teen abuse of legal drugs is increasing.

"Prescription drugs improve the lives of millions of patients every day," said Billy Tauzin, PhRMA's president. "The misuse of these drugs is tragic, and I believe we have a moral obligation to ensure that medications are used properly and that we actively work to prevent medication abuse."

The new curriculum is being incorporated into DARE classes around the country during the 2007-2008 school year.