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

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

3. 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

4. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

17. 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

18. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
by calling
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT)
 drugabuse.gov/publications/seeking-drug-abuse-treatment.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 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