A shocking study reveals that one in every 55 Japanese middle school students has experience with over-the-counter drug misuse. This worrying trend points to a public health issue that is often overlooked, considering the accessible nature of these medications. The misuse ranges from excessive doses to recurrent usage, suggesting a concern for both health and an understanding of medication safety among students.

In Japan, misuse of over-the-counter drugs among young people has not received much attention, especially in comparison to illicit drugs or alcohol. However, this news might trigger discussions, reinforcing the importance of drug education at early stages. There could also be calls for stricter regulations or surveillance on the sale of certain types of over-the-counter drugs to minors.

In the US and EU, misuse of over-the-counter drugs among teens is also a concern, but there tends to be more awareness and preventive measures, such as limiting the sale of certain medications to older individuals. There is also a more extensive system of education about drug safety in many schools.