Prescription Drugs – Team 4: Substance Use

Prescription (Rx) Drugs

28.1% of college-aged students have missused prescription drugs.

Misuse of Rx Drugs: taking Rx drugs not as prescribed or taking someone else’s prescriptions

Abuse of Rx Drugs: intentionally using Rx drugs to experiment or get high

What drugs are college students using?

College students most frequently use marijuana, followed by hallucinogens and prescription painkillers.

Study Rx Drugs:

prescription stimulants used to increase concentration or stay awake to do work

Common Types

Ritalin

Adderall

Dexedrine

Concerta

Vyvanse

Focalin

Health Effects

addiction

strain on heart

dangerous increases in heart rate, breathing, temperature

overdose

anxiety

confusion

vision issues

dizziness

insomnia

delusions

Rx Party Drugs:

the two main types are sedatives and opioids

Sedatives

Most central nervous system (CNS) depressants (Valium, Xanax, Klonopin, etc.) act on the brain by increasing activity at receptors for the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Although the different classes of CNS depressants work in unique ways, it is through their ability to increase GABA signaling—thereby increasing inhibition of brain activity—that they produce a drowsy or calming effect that is medically beneficial to those suffering from anxiety or sleep disorders.

Common Sedatives

Valium

Xanax

Ativan

Klonopin

Ambien

Benzos

Downers

Quaaludes

Health Effects

Weakened immune system

intestinal and bowel problems

slow and shallow breathing

damage to organs

addiction

fatal overdose

Opiods

More than 191 million opioid prescriptions were dispensed to American patients in 2017—with wide variation across states.

Anyone who takes prescription opioids can become addicted to them. In fact, as many as one in four patients receiving long-term opioid therapy in a primary care setting struggles with opioid addiction.4,5,6 Once addicted, it can be hard to stop. In 2016, more than 11.5 million Americans reported misusing prescription opioids in the past year

Common Types

Valium

Xanax

Ativan

Klonopin

Ambien

Benzos

Downers

Quaaludes

Health Effects

Tolerance—meaning you might need to take more of the medication for the same pain relief

Physical dependence—meaning you have symptoms of withdrawal when the medication is stopped

Increased sensitivity to pain

Constipation

Nausea, vomiting, and dry mouth

Sleepiness and dizziness

Confusion

Depression

Low levels of testosterone that can result in lower sex drive, energy, and strength

Itching and sweating

Death

A video about opioids

How to Prevent Rx Drug misuse

following the directions as explained on the label or by the pharmacist
being aware of potential interactions with other drugs as well as alcohol
never stopping or changing a dosing regimen without first discussing it with the doctor
never using another person’s prescription and never giving their prescription medications to others
storing prescription stimulants, sedatives, and opioids safely

Harm Reduction Tips

Research the substance you will be taking
Don’t use alone– Try to use with somebody you trust, preferably somebody sober
Pace yourself– Figure out how a drug effects you before you take more
Avoid mixing substances– Drugs interact in various ways with prescription medications like antidepressants and with alcohol
Don’t share needles or any other equipment
If you are using opioid, make sure to carry naloxone

Naloxone or Narcan can be used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose
It can be administered as a nasal spray, auto-injector or syringe
In DC, Narcan can be access for free at participating pharmacies and from various non-profits