Prescription Drug AbuseOn College Campuses

Basics about Prescription Drug Abuse

What is Prescription Drug Abuse?

LEGAL DEFINITION

Prescription drug abuse is the use of a prescription medication in a way not intended by the prescribing doctor. 

ON CAMPUSES

Using prescribed pills as stimulants to stay awake

Buying and selling prescribed pills to students who don’t have prescriptions

The recreational use of prescribed drugs

What is being abused?

Opioids Strong Painkillers, Such as OxyCotin

Depressants Used to treat anxiety and other disorders

Stimulants Used to treat ADHD and Depression

Alarming amount of Abusers

Approximately 52 million Americans aged 12 or older have abused prescription drugs

More than 50% of all prescription drugs that were abused came from friends or family

Up to 25% of college students abuse prescribed drugs

Prescription drugs and Universities

Effects on College Campuses

Stimulants are abundant on Campuses because they are used as study aids

Abusing Prescription drugs is known to be a gateway to other risky behavior

Popular drugs, such as Adderall, are known to increase crime on campus

Effects on Students

Any student that starts abusing prescription drugs is 5 times more likely to develop a drug abuse problem

Students that abuse prescription drugs are also more likely to combine it with other substance abuses, such as alcohol

Dangers of Prescription Drug Abuse

Dangers of Abusing Pills

Stimulants are known to lead to health problems such as: Paranoia Heart Failure Fatal Seizures

The other commonly abused types lead to health problems and a decrease in motor skills, judgment, and the ability to learn

Two Common Prescriptions

RITALIN SIDE EFFECTS

Reduced appetite Sleep difficulty Depression Blood Glucose

changes Psychotic Episodes Hallucinations Death by Overdose

ADDERALL

Reduced Appetite Insomnia Weakness Infection Fever Increased Heart Rate Personality Changes Death by Overdose

Help and Prevention

Prevention of Drug Abuse

Develop good study habits early on in each semester so you don’t have the need to abuse stimulants

Dispose of any unneeded medication through local Drug Take-Back services

Have your medications hidden or locked up to prevent theft

Helpful Information

Tallahassee Addiction Help A Life Recovery Center Inc

(850) 224-9991x100

More information on prescription drug abuse http://drugabuse.gov/nidahome.html