Misuse of Prescription Drugs
Prescription Drug misuse is on a rise for our youth and young adults. Studies have shown that more teens abuse prescription drugs that illicit drugs. Many teens feel that using prescription drugs is safer than illegal drugs. It is also illegal to take prescription drugs from someone else or give out your prescription medication. The only time that it is safe to use a prescription drug is if your doctor prescribed it to you and you are taking it the way he instructed you to take it.
Depressants
Used to slow the brain function. Some examples include; Xanax, Valium, Halicon, Ativan, Klonopin, and Librium. Common street names are candy, downers, sleeping pills, and tranks.
Possible Long Term Effects
Chronic Fatigue
Addiction
Anxiety
Sexual Problems
Sleeping Problems
Breathing Problems
Liver Disease
Possible Short Term Effects
Lowered Blood Pressure
Confusion
Dizziness
Fever
Disorientation
Fatigue
Slurred Speech
Depression
Slowed Breathing
Poor Concentration
Opiods
Painkillers. Some examples include; Fiorional with codeine, Robitussin A-C, Tylenol with Codeine, OxyContin, Percodan, Percocet, Dilaudid, and Demerol. Common Street names are Cody, TNT, Monkey, OXYcat, Perks, Demmies, Juice, Dillies, and many more.
Possible Long Term Effects
Restlessness
Muscle and Bone Pain
Insomnia
Stomach Cancers
Sleeping Problems
Severe Withdrawal Symptoms
Harm to Central Nervous System
Possible Short Term Effects
Drowsiness
Slowed Breathing
Constipation
Nausea
Coma
Unconsciousness
Possible Long Term Effects
Restlessness
Muscle and Bone Pain
Stomach Cancers
Insomnia
Sleeping Problems
Severe Withdrawal Symptoms
Harm to Central Nervous System
Possible Short Term Effects
Drowsiness
Slowed Breathing
Constipation
Nausea
Coma
Unconsciousness
Stimulants
Used to increase energy and alertness. Some examples include; Ritalin, Concerta, Dexedrine, and Adderall. Common street names are speed, truck drivers, bennies, r-ball, kibbles and bits, and many others.
Possible Long Term Effects
Paranoia
Hostility/Aggression
Addiction
Liver Disease
Possible Short Term Effects
Depression
Exhaustion
Crash
Increased Energy
Antidepressants
Medication prescribed to reduce depression. Some examples include; Prozac, Paxil, Celexa, Zoloft, Remeron, and Effexor.
Possible Long Term Effects
Liver Disease
Anxiety and Panic
Withdrawal Symptoms
Overdose
Physical Dependence
Possible Short Term Effects
Irritability
Anxiety
Hostility
Suicidal Thoughts
Agitation
Confusion
Paranoia
Psychosis
Possible Long Term Effects
Liver Disease
Anxiety and Panic
Withdrawal Symptoms
Overdose
Physical Dependence
Possible Short Term Effects
Irritability
Anxiety
Hostility
Suicidal Thoughts
Agitation
Confusion
Paranoia
Psychosis
Take Action Parents
These are just a few of the prescription drugs that are abused or misused. Many others are popping up and have become a serious issue with our young people. Many kids are also abusing over the counter drugs like cough syrup and allergy medication. Keep an eye on your kids and make sure they understand the dangers. Always lock up your prescription medication and dispose properly old medications that you are no longer using. Just a few small steps can save your children’s life.
CoAPT
Blanco Coalition of Awareness, Prevention, and Treatment of Substance Abuse.
© 2017 Blanco CoAPT