3. 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
4. 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
5. 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
7. 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
8. 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
10. 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
11. 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
13. 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
14. Helpful Information Tallahassee Addiction Help A Life Recovery Center Inc (850) 224-9991x100 More information on prescription drug abuse http://drugabuse.gov/nidahome.html
