Prescription Drug Abuse

Usually prescribed to treat pain

Opioids

what is norepinephrine important for?

Our body's fight or flight response - telling us that something is important and deserves our attention

slang/street names of opioids

Oxy, percs, happy pills, hillbilly heroin, OC, vikes

what is addiction?

Person can't stop using a drug, even when it is messing up their lives. Cravings can't be controlled and they become the priority

Signs of Abuse: Increased energy and restlessness Aggression and irritability Insomnia Weight loss

STIMULANTS Brand examples: Adderall, Ritalin

Stimulant Overdose Signs

Someone who has taken too many stimulants may experience panic, hallucinations, blurred vision, rapid breathing and heart rate, shaking/seizures, and possibly, fever. Note: If someone is making unfamiliar sounds while "sleeping," try to wake them up. Many times friends think a person was snoring, when they were, in fact, overdosing. When people survive an overdose, it's because those around them recognized the signs and did not hesitate to get help. They acted quickly, calling 911 right away.

Dextroamphetamine (Adderall & Dexedrine) Methylphenidate (Ritalin & Concerta)

Stimulant Drug and Brand names

Specifically those most often prescribed to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Stimulants

what happens if too much of a stimulant is taken at once or mixed ?

Taking a higher dose could result in dangerously high body temperatures, and an irregular heartbeat, leading to cardiovascular failure, seizures or even stroke repeated overuse can lead to negative psychological effects like feelings of hostility or paranoia

ADHD medications such as Adderall bottom line

The bottom line is that ADHD medications can help people who struggle with this disorder, but taking it without a prescription can be seriously dangerous. When prescribed by a doctor for a specific condition, ADHD meds can be relatively safe and effective. However, even when prescribed properly, these medications can have side effects, including increased blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and irritability. Misuse can make these side effects even more pronounced. Adderall-related emergency room visits have been on the rise in recent years, and dependence and addiction are always potential risks when taking any prescription stimulant.

Mixing opioids with alcohol other drugs can have serious, damaging effects on a persons health. True or false

True

Researchers have found that ADHD drugs like Adderall and Ritalin do not improve academic performance in people who don't have ADHD. True or false

True

The penalties for unlawful possession of prescription drugs can mirror those for other illegal drugs (e.g., felony, jail time, fines, criminal record) : True or False

True

True or false : Law enforcement officers can establish impairment by using field sobriety tests, or urine and/or blood tests.

True

True or false: Misrepresenting yourself or being dishonest with a physician in order to obtain a prescription is fraud; it's a crime.

True

True or false: There is a small number of medicines that may be especially harmful and, in some cases, fatal with just one dose if they are used by someone other than the person for whom the medicine was prescribed.

True

Addiction doesn't discriminate :True or false

True ; it can impact anyone

Prescription drug pills and traveling

While traveling, it's best to keep prescription medication in its original prescription bottle so that you can verify contents and reference the instruction label, if necessary. Doing so also provides proof to authorities that the medication has been legitimately prescribed to you. She could also consider getting a separate doctor's note.

Overdose : what to do while waiting for help to arrive?

While you are waiting for help to arrive: If the person is still conscious, try to keep them awake. Monitor their breathing. Lie them on their side to avoid choking after vomiting. If you have been trained, start CPR if breathing stops. If possible, alert a Resident Advisor, or someone else who could also help.

You may need help if :

You may need help if: You have been taking medication that was never prescribed to you. You have been taking more pills than prescribed. You have been taking pills more often than prescribed. You have been using any kind of medication with alcohol. You have been using medication from other people. You feel bad (shaky, depressed, sick) when the effects of the drug wear off. You need more of the drug to achieve the same feeling as when you previously used it. (This is called tolerance; people with tolerance may overdose because they need to use more and more of the drug to get their "normal" high.) Using a drug makes you feel normal, whole, or loved. You are putting a lot of effort into controlling your use. You spend a lot of time thinking about how to get more drugs and when you will take them next

stimulants potential for misuse

adderall has a high potential for abuse, causing health risks when too much is taken and used without a prescription

slang/street names for stimulants

addy, skippy, the smart drug, bennies, black beauties, roses, hearts, speed, Vitamin R

Deadly overdoses involving depressants most often occur when mixed with other drugs, such as

alcohol

Critical life skill

being able to read medication labels

Diazepam (Valium) Alprazolam (Xanax) triazolam (Halcion) Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) estazolam (ProSom)

benzodiazepines

Slang/street names for benzodiazepines

benzos, bars, barbs, reds, downers, sleeping pills, yellow jackets, phennies

Drugs impact the way the _____________ works, making it hard for some people to ____________________________, even when they want to

brain; quit taking them

respiratory depression is severely slowed

breathing

What happens if too much benzodiazepines are taken at once?

can cause slurred speech, shallow breathing, confusion, sleepiness and lack of coordination

The people who ________________________ are not the people who sell or give you illicit drugs.

care about you

direct questions to a doctor before making any _________________ to how you are taking a drug

change

most states classify prescription drugs as

controlled substances - need a prescription for them

Store medications in a

cool dry place in its original packaging in a locked and concealed area

Specifically benzodiazepines, which are used to treat conditions such as anxiety and sleep disorders

depressants

drinking alcohol while taking Xanax is especially dangerous because both are ___________________ and can make worse

depressants, respiratory depression

stimulants impact which two neurotransmitters

dopamine norepinephrine

other side effects of opioids

drowsiness, confusion, nausea, constipation and sometimes euphoria

Why may people choose to misuse prescription drugs ?

for a variety of reasons they may hope to change how they feel, such as decrease anxiety or elevate their mood. Depending on the drug, they may be looking to change their experience: to stay awake, increase focus, relax, or fall asleep!

GABA

gamma-aminobutyric acid; the primary inhibitory transmitter in the nervous system

The expiration date is the final date that the manufacturer ........................

guarantees the full strength and safety of the medication

Many medications may be _______________________ if taken by someone other than the person for whom the medicine was ________________________--

harmful; prescribed

Opioids have a ________________ risk that users will develop tolerance, addiction and dependence

high ; this increases when opioids are misused or used for extended periods of time

mixing stimulants and OTC cold medicines that contain decongestants may cause

high blood pressure and lead to irregular heart rhythms

effects of benzodiazepines

increased GABA slows down brain activity and produces a calm, drowsy effect increases effects of GABA, a neurotransmitter that facilitates brain cell communication

Taking a drug for a reason other than it was prescribed is considered __________________ even if it's your prescription.

misuse

What does dopamine impact ?

mood, behavior & cognition, sleep, attention, learning, memory formation

Drugs impact the way that __________________ send, receive and process information

nerve cells g

Prescription medication should __________________ by the person for whom it is prescribed.

only be used

even a single large dose of ________________ Respiratory depression

opioids

3 most commonly abused and misused types of prescription drugs

opioids stimulants depressants

What is an overdose ? Is it a medical emergency ?

overdose is when a person ingests more of a drug than their body is able to manage at one time. yes it is a medical emergency

Medical use of opioids

prescribed to relieve pain often after injuries or surgeries

Use prescription drugs only as __________________and only to treat the ________________________ for which they were specifically prescribed.

prescribed; original ailment

taking a prescription drug recreationally

prescription drug abuse

taking a drug in ways or amounts other than as prescribed; taking a drug without a prescription

prescription drug misuse

Some people may think that a person could just stop using drugs or alcohol, if they really wanted to but the ..................................

reality is much more complicated.

limbic system

region in the brain that regulates mood and controls basic emotions such as pleasure, fear, and anger

Central nervous system depressants, like Xanax, produce a calming effect, but can also cause slurred speech, impaired memory, and loss of coordination when taken with other depressants, such as alcohol. Mixing drugs can even lead to severe ___________________ depression, coma, or death.

respiratory

part of the limbic system, this center processes the things that make you feel good

reward center

additional possible effects of Stimulants

sleep problems, mood swings, anxiety and a loss of appetite stimulants can also elevate BP, HR, and RR with doctors diagnosis and management, dosages can usually be adjusted to combat this

benzodiazepines additional effects

sleepiness, confusion, irregular heartbeat, memory loss, muscle relaxation, depression, vertigo

Drowsiness and head nodding (nodding off) Shifting or dramatically changing moods Euphoria or intense calm

specific signs of opiate abuse (Oxycontin, Vicodin)

what are benzodiazepines prescribed for ?

to treat a variety of anxiety disorders, such as panic attacks, OCD, PTSD, & sleep disorders

needing more of a drug to get the same effect

tolerance

Proper disposal of prescription drugs

trash - mix with coffee grounds, dirt and place mixture in a sealable bag, empty can or other container community take back programs offer disposal of prescription drugs depending on medication, Flush it down the toilet

it can depend on specific state laws, but driving under the influence of drugs - including prescription medications - can result in DUI/DWI charges. True or false

true

its illegal to share or sell prescription drugs : true or false

true

stimulants are used for

ADHD to help those with it to focus and pay attention

This increases the sedative effects of opioid medications and can cause someone to fall asleep and be unable to wake up

Alcohol

How do opioids work ?

Attach to specific proteins called opioid receptors found in the brain, spinal cord, GI tract and other organs to reduce the perception of pain. can also produce a sense of well being and pleasure since these drugs affect brain regions involved in awards.

Key takeaways

1) Taking prescription drugs only as directed enables individuals to leverage positive effects and avoid the negative, potentially life-threatening side effects. 2) Misusing, including sharing or selling prescription drugs, is unsafe and has potential legal consequences for all parties involved. 3) Support is available if you or someone you care about wants to examine a potentially unhealthy relationship with a prescription drug

General warning signs to look for when someone is abusing drugs

Changes in eating or sleeping habits Changes to personality Distancing from friends, or Spending time alone or with a new group of friends If you see any irregular behavior, you should always consider touching base. You may actually need to check in several times before your friend is ready to open up. Stick with it. It doesn't have to be a "big deal," but it could have a big impact. A counselor can also offer additional advice on the best ways to reach out.

if someone misses a dose of medication, what is not a good idea in order to "catch up" ?

It is not a good idea at any point to double up to "catch up." follow medication directions

Good Samaritan Laws

Many states have Good Samaritan laws that provide immunity (protect people from arrest, charge, or prosecution) for the person experiencing an overdose and the people who call 911 for assistance. The scope and details vary by state.

Key signs of overdose for ......................... Unresponsiveness. Loss of consciousness, or awake but unable to talk; you can't get them to respond to you; body is limp. Labored breathing. Breathing is slow and shallow, erratic, or has stopped; heartbeat is slow or not there at all. Bluish or grayish skin and fingernails. Face is pale or clammy. Choking sounds, or a snore-like gurgling noise.

Opiates and Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are

CNS depressants

You witness an overdose: you need to get help what do you do ?

Call 911: Provide your location and the person's condition (breathing, consciousness, etc.). If you know, tell them the drug, the amount taken, how long ago it was taken, and if it was taken with any other substances, such as alcohol or other drugs. DON'T LEAVE THEM ALONE !

what to do with leftover pills ?

Discard the pills safely and properly don't even store them in a safe location

DEPRESSANTS/BENZODIAZEPINES Brand examples: Valium, Xanax signs of abuse

Drowsiness Problems concentrating or thinking; memory problems Depression An overdose is more likely to occur when depressants are mixed with alcohol, or other drugs such as opiates.

Prescription drugs purchased outside of a licensed agency may not be ___________________ or could be __________________--

FDA approved; counterfeit

What is the right way to take prescription medications ?

Follow doctors orders make sure you understand and follow your doctor's instructions precisely.

potential for addiction - benzodiazepines

HIGH ; especially when used over long periods of time

Drugs and Brand names of Opioids

Hydrocodone (Vicodin) Oxycodone (Oxycontin & Percocet) Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) fentanyl (Duragesic)