1. Prescription Drug Abuse

2. What is prescription drug abuse? Taking drugs for reasons or in ways or amounts not intended by the doctor The use of drugs by someone other than the person for whom they are prescribed

4. Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs Opioids for (pain) Central Nervous System Depressants (for anxiety and sleep disorders) Stimulants (for ADHD and narcolepsy)

5. How Do Prescription and OTC Drugs Affect the Brain? When not taken as intended, prescription drugs can affect the brain in ways similar to illicit drugs Prescription Drugs can increase the amount of dopamine in the brain and repeatedly seeking that feeling can lead to addiction Stimulants like Ritalin achieve their effects by acting on the same neurotransmitter systems as cocaine Prescription depressants produce sedating or calming effects in the same manner as the club drugs GHB and rohypnol Opioid pain relievers such as OxyContin attach to the same cell receptors targeted by heroin

6. Other Health Affects of Prescription Drug Abuse Decrease efficiency of cardiovascular system and irregular heart rate Dangerously increased body temperature Heart Failure or Seizures Hostility and Feelings of Paranoia Drowsiness Slowed Brain Activity

7. Did You Know… More people die from overdoses of prescription opioids than from all other drugs combined, including heroin and cocaine

8. Prevention of Prescription Drug Misuse Always follow prescribed directions Be aware of potential interactions with other drugs and inform your doctor about other prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and dietary/herbal supplements you are taking Never stop or change dosing regimen without talking to your doctor first Never take someone else’s prescription Properly discard unused and expired medications

9. The Center for Wellness Promotion has a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist who offers individual assessments and counseling for alcohol and other drug issues. The UNC Charlotte Counseling Center is also available to help. To make an initial appointment with a counselor, call 704 ‑ 687 ‑ 0311 or stop by the Counseling Center, located on the first floor of the Atkins Building. National Alcohol and Substance Abuse Center: (800)784-6776

10. C AMPUS 12 S TEP M EETINGS Campus AA Group Monday- 6:00-7:00 p.m. Monday- 6:00-7:00 p.m. CAMPUS NA GROUP Tuesdays 4:30-5:30 p.m. Tuesdays 4:30-5:30 p.m. CAMPUS Al-Anon Wednesdays 6:00-7:00p.m. Wednesdays 6:00-7:00p.m. (starting September 4, 2013) (starting September 4, 2013) NEW ! ! NINER Noon Thirty Wednesday- 12:30-1:30 p.m. Wednesday- 12:30-1:30 p.m. For more Information please go to CRCUNCC. BLOGSPOT. COM