Just the Facts on: Prescription Drugs

The Facts
  • Prescription drugs are used to relieve pain and treat various illnesses, and must be prescribed by a doctor.
  • It is illegal to buy, sell, or give away prescription drugs.
  • It is not safe to mix prescription drugs with alcohol or energy drinks.
  • Pain killers are the most commonly abused prescription drug.
  • In 2008 1.9 million youth ages 12-17 have abused prescription drugs. (NIDA Teens)
  • In Southeastern CT over 10% of high school students have used a prescription drug to get high. (SERAC Regional Youth Survey 2008-2010)
Most Common Rx Drugs

Stimulants
Speed up brain activity and increase energy levels. Used to treat ADHD, Depression, Fatigue. Examples: Ritalin & Aderall.

Sedatives
Slow down brain activity. Also known as Depressants. Used to treat Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Difficulty sleeping. Examples: Valium, Xanax, Ativan.

Opiods
Used to treat pain. Also known as painkillers. Used to treat Back pain, Muscle pain. Examples: Oxycotin, Vicodin, Percocet, Dilaudid.

Different Types of Misuse
  • Taking a prescription that is not yours.
  • Taking more than what is prescribed by your doctor.
  • Taking a drug for symptoms that it is not prescribed for.
  • Taking prescription drugs in order to get high.
The Effects
Each medication has negative side effects and misusing or abusing the drug will only make them worse. It can also produce additional negative side effects, including:
  • Altering of brain chemistry
  • Long term damage to vital organs such as kidney, liver and heart
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Slowed breathing
  • Slurred speech
  • Shaking
  • Overdose
  • Death
  • Paranoia
  • Addiction
Tips for Preventing Misuse and Proper Disposal
How to Prevent Misuse Rx Drugs
  • Open communication
  • Become educated
  • Watch out for family and friends
  • Lock up all medications
  • Properly dispose of all unused or expired medications

Proper Disposal Methods

Do not flush medications down the toilet or sink!

  • Keep medications in original container and black out any personal information.
  • Add hot water to dissolve the pills and then add coffee grounds or kitty litter.
  • Seal medications and place bottle in an empty margarine tub, etc and place in the garbage.
  • Do not put in the recycling bin.

For more information on how to properly dispose, or to find a Prescription Drug Takeback Day near you please go to: http://www.ct.gov/dcp

Just the Facts on: Over-the-Counter Drugs

The Facts
  • Used to treat common illnesses
  • Do not need a doctors prescription
  • Must follow directions on label
  • Also known as OTC
  • Keep all medications locked up and out of reach of children

Common Over-the-Counter Medications
  • Advil
  • Benadryl
  • Day-Quil
  • Sudafed
  • Robitussin
Negative Effects
Each medication has negative side effects and misusing or abusing the drug will only make them worse. It can also produce additional negative side effects, including:
  • Blackouts
  • Seizures
  • Nausea
  • Liver damage
  • Overdose