Prescription Medicine abuse

According to several national surveys, prescription medications are being abused at a rate second only to marijuana among illicit drug users. US Department of Health, 2014

The consequences of this abuse have been steadily worsening, reflected in increased treatment admissions, emergency room visits, and overdose deaths. US Department of Health, 2014

3 Types of Medicines commonly abused There are 3 Types of Medicines commonly abused

Pain Killers (Opiates) Those that treat ADHD and Narcolepsy (Stimulants) Those that treat Anxiety (Anxiolytics, Barbiturates and Benzopiazepines)

Opiates

Opiates in Ohio In 2012, approximately 2.5 million Americans abused or were dependent on opioids. Of those 2.5 million, less than 40 percent received medication-assisted therapy for their condition. In 1997 if dose were divided by person in the state, there would be 6 or 7 doses per person.

In 2010, there were 67 doses per person per year!

Narcotics Originally referred medically to any psychoactive compound with any sleep- inducing properties. In the USA it has since become associated with opioids, commonly morphine and heroin and their derivatives, such as hydrocodone. (vicodin)

When used in a legal context in the US, a narcotic drug is simply one that is totally prohibited, or one that is used in violation of strict governmental regulation, such as PCP or marijuana

current Psychotherapeutics use

An estimated 52 million people (20 percent of those aged 12 and older) have used prescription drugs for nonmedical reasons at least once in their lifetimes It been classified as an epidemic by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

20 percent of those aged 12 and older have used prescription drugs for nonmedical reasons at least once in their lifetimes.

Opiates List of Prescription Percocet (Oxycodone) Fentanyl (Duragesic®) Hydrocodone (Vicodin®) Oxycodone (OxyContin®) Oxymorphone (Opana®) Propoxyphene (Darvon®) Hydromorphone (Dilaudid®) Meperidine (Demerol®) Diphenoxylate (Lomotil®)

Opioids: Acute Effects Euphoria Pain relief Suppresses cough reflex Histamine release Warm flushing of the skin Dry mouth Drowsiness and lethargy Sense of well-being Depression of the central nervous system (mental functioning clouded) Instructions Read the slide to your audience.

Long-Term Effects of Opioids Fatal overdose Collapsed veins Infectious diseases Higher risk of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis Infection of the heart lining and valves Pulmonary complications & pneumonia Respiratory problems Abscesses Instructions Read the long-term effects of stimulant use to your audience Point to the areas of the body that are affected by the use of these drugs. Additional Information for Trainers Chronic users of opioids may develop collapsed veins, infection of the heart lining and valves, abscesses, cellulitis, and liver disease. Pulmonary complications, including various types of pneumonia, may result from the poor health condition of the abuser, as well as from heroin’s depressing effects on respiration. Heroin abuse during pregnancy and its many associated environmental factors (e.g., lack of prenatal care) have been associated with adverse consequences including low birth weight, an important risk factor for later developmental delay. In addition to the effects of the drug itself, street heroin may have additives that do not readily dissolve and result in clogging of the blood vessels that lead to the lungs, liver, kidneys, or brain. This can cause infection or even death of small patches of cells in vital organs. (Source: NIDA InfoFacts.)

Low birth weight and developmental delay Spontaneous abortion Liver disease Low birth weight and developmental delay Spontaneous abortion Cellulitis Heroin abuse is associated with serious health conditions, including fatal overdose, spontaneous abortion, and—particularly in users who inject the drug—infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS and hepatitis. Chronic users may develop collapsed veins, infection of the heart lining and valves, abscesses, and liver or kidney disease. Pulmonary complications, including various types of pneumonia, may result from the poor health of the abuser as well as from heroin’s depressing effects on respiration. In addition to the effects of the drug itself, street heroin often contains toxic contaminants or additives that can clog blood vessels leading to the lungs, liver, kidneys, or brain, causing permanent damage to vital organs. SOURCE: National Institute on Drug Abuse, www.nida.nih.gov.

Opiate Withdrawal Opioid withdrawal reactions are very uncomfortable but are not life threatening. Symptoms usually start within 12 hours of last heroin usage and within 30 hours of last methadone exposure. Narcan….Back from the dead!

Early Phase Extreme Drug Craving Agitation Anxiety Muscle aches Increased tearing Insomnia Runny nose Sweating Yawning

Late symptoms of withdrawal include: Abdominal cramping Diarrhea Dilated pupils Goose bumps Nausea Vomiting

National Geographic Drugs Inc. Pill Nation National Geographic Drugs Inc.

Depressants Three Categories

Drugs that fall into this general category are: benzodiazepines barbiturates sleep aids. Anti-psychotics like Risperdal that have a very heavy sedating effect are not included in this category.

While not being as widespread as pain reliever abuse, at least two million people in the US alone are abusing tranquilizers. Each year, nearly 140,000 new people abuse them for the first time.

Abusers may find that lives seems more tolerable when they experience this artificial and addictive calming of their stress. A person who has been abusing these drugs for some time may show signs that resemble the problems that the drugs were supposed to handle in the first place, including anxiety and insomnia.

Withdrawal from the depressants can cause death and should only be done by medical personnel in a medical setting. Seizures Heart Attacks Strokes

Intoxication Effects Benzodiazepines Sedation/drowsiness Diazepam (Valium®) Alprazolam (Xanax®) Serax (Oxecepam) Librium Barr Klonopin Ativan Sedation/drowsiness Reduced anxiety Feelings of wellbeing, Lowered inhibitions Slurred speech Poor concentration Confusion, Dizziness, Impaired coordination and memory

Amytal Nembutal Seconal Tuinal Ambien Lunesta Sonata Barbituarates Sleep Aids Amytal Nembutal Seconal Tuinal Ambien Lunesta Sonata

Amphetamines methamphetamines, Cocaine, crack Psycho-stimulants

Amphetamines "Faster, faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death." Hunter S. Thompson

Stimulants Effects Used as a study aide in high school and college Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine®) Methylphenidate (Ritalin® and Concerta®) Amphetamines (Adderall®) Used as a study aide in high school and college Focus and Concentration Can be a gateway for other stimulants

Amphetamines power, strength, energy, self-assertion aroused euphoria which may last several hours feels he can take on the world.

SIGNS OF AMPHETAMINE OVERDOSE: restlessness tremors rapid breathing confusion hallucinations panic aggressiveness