Prescription Drugs Prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs, (after marijuana and alcohol) are the most commonly abused substances by Americans under 14

What are some myths about prescription drugs that you’ve heard of? What do you believe to be true? Brainstorm

Interview with Dr. Volkow What surprised you most about prescription drugs? What effects of prescription drugs were unknown to you? What other questions would you ask Dr. Volkow if you had conducted the interview? Interview with Dr. Volkow

Prescription Drug Abuse According to results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 2.1 million Americans used prescription drugs nonmedically for the first time within the past year. Fifty-four percent were females and about 30 percent were adolescents Prescription Drug Abuse

Types of Prescription Drugs Opioids Heroin Fentanyl Oxycodone Vicodin Codeine Morphine Depressants Valium Barbiturates Xanax Stimulants Dextroamphetamine (dexedrine, Adderall) Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) Types of Prescription Drugs

Opioids/Pain Medications Prescribed to treat pain Safe when taken for a short period of time Prescription opioids comes in pill form When misused they are crushed to be snorted. Mix with alcohol or other drugs Take more than the prescribed amount Every day, more than 90 Americans die after overdosing on opioids Opioids/Pain Medications

Opioids/Pain Medication Happy Pills, Hillbilly, Heroin, OC, OXY, Percs, Vikes Chemically similar to endorphins-Make you feel good Attaches to receptors in brain and can stop essential functions like breathing. Highly addictive because release dopamine in the brain- make you you feel extremely relaxed. Side Effects Sleepiness Confusion Nausea Constipation Slowed or stopped breathing You can overdose on opioids. Signs of overdose Slow breathing Blue lips and fingernails Cold damp hands Shaking Vomiting or gurgling noises Opioids/Pain Medication

Heroin Prescription medicine is closely related to heroin. Heroin is cheaper and easier to get so users turn to heroin Nearly 80 percent of people addicted to heroin started first with prescription opioids Heroin

Depressants Referred to as central nervous system (CNS) Prescribed to anxiety and sleep disorders Slow down normal activity in the brain and spinal cord Divided into 3 primary groups Barbiturates Benzodiazepines Sleep medications How are they misused Taking someone else prescription Take more then prescribed Taking to get high Mixing with stimulants Mixing with alcohol and other drugs Depressants

Depressants A-Minus Candy Downers Sleeping pills Zombie Pills Should not be combined with any other substance or medicine. If combined can slow down heart rate and breathing and cause an overdose. Highly addictive Street Names A-Minus Candy Downers Sleeping pills Zombie Pills Slow Down Brain Activity, slurred speech, sleepiness, disorientation, lack of coordination

Stimulants Increase activity in body Boost alertness, attention and energy Prescribed for ADHD, Narcolepsy, Depression How are they misused Taking someone else’s prescription Taking to get high Mixing with alcohol and other drugs Misused to stay awake all night to cram for an exam They do not increase learning or thinking if not prescribed to you by a doctor. Stimulants

Stimulants Side Effects Street Names: Black Beauties, Skippy ,Speed, Study Drugs, The Smart Drug, Uppers, Vitamin R High Risk for Addiction Can overdose Painful withdrawal symptoms Inability to feel pleasure Thoughts of suicide Increased blood pressure Irregular heartbeat Dangerously high body temperature Decreased sleep poor nutrition (lack of interest) Intense anger Paranoia Seizures and strokes Stimulants

DXM/ Cough Medicine Over the counter cough medicine Can be addictive if taken in large doses In excess doses it acts as a dissociate anesthetic, (Hallucinations) Physical symptoms/side effects, depression, dizziness, double visions, seizures, liver failure. DXM/ Cough Medicine

Promethazine-Codeine Prescription cough and pain reliever Contains codeine which can be highly addictive Dangerous side effects if taken with alcohol Side effects Nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing and drowsiness. Promethazine-Codeine

Medically supervised detoxification to help withdrawal symptoms Behavioral Treatment with medications to help cravings. Counseling Impatient/outpatient settings Should seek doctor’s help when trying to quit Recovery support groups Cognitive Behavior Therapy Treatment

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) www.niaaa.nih.gov or by calling 301-443-3860. Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) www.samhsa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/offices-centers/csat.  drugabuse.gov/publications/seeking-drug-abuse-treatment. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (they don't just talk about suicide—they cover a lot of issues and will help put you in touch with someone close by). How to get Help