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
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