Abusing Prescription Drugs

By: Cameron Hill

Thesis Statement

• Drug abuse is the taking of pharmaceutical medications that are not specifically prescribed to an individual, or not taking medications as directed. Despite the general public’s knowledge of medication usage, many are unaware of the harmful effects that may be fatal.

Common Misconceptions• -friends and family share prescription drugs but are

unaware that they are abusing that medication, even if they take the drug to help with pain

• -if certain prescription drugs are used improperly they can have critical consequences

• -many people think that using prescription drugs is safer than using illicit drugs (marijuana, alcohol) because they are prescribed by a medical doctor

• -prescription drugs can have short and long term effects if used improperly or if used by someone who they were not intended for

Most commonly Abused Prescriptions

• -opioids• -central nervous system depressants • -stimulants • -over the counter drugs (DXM)

Opioid's

• -pain relievers • -medication that binds to an opioid receptor to treat

multiple and diverse chronic conditions • -one of the major controversies dealing with opioids is

the physiological addiction • -as availability of these medications increases abuse is

a rising problem • -side effects: sedation, dizziness, nausea, vomiting,

constipation, physical dependence, tolerance, and respiratory depression

Opioid’s Chemical Names

• -Chemical Names: Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percodan, Percocet), Propoxyphene (Darvon), Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lortab, Lorcet), Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) , Meperidine (Demerol) , Diphenoxylate (Lomotil),Morphine (Kadian, Avinza, MS Contin), Codeine, Fentanyl (Duragesic),Methadone

• -Street Names: Hillbilly heroin, oxy, OC, oxycotton, percs, happy pills, vikes

Central Nervous System Depressants

• -also known as sedatives or tranquilizers• -slow brain activity • -most commonly used for treating anxiety and sleep disorders • -Barbiturates: Mephobarbital (Mebaral), Sodium

pentobarbital (Nembutal)• Street names: Barbs, reds, red birds, phennies, tooies,

yellows, yellow jackets• -Benzodiazepines: Diazepam (Valium),Alprazolam (Xanax),

Triazolam (Halcion), Estazolam (ProSom), Clonazepam (Klonopin), Lorazepam (Ativan), Chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride (Librium)

Street Names for Central Nervous System

• Candy, downers, sleeping pills, tranks• -Sleep Medications: Zolpidem (Ambien), Zaleplon

(Sonata), Eszopiclone (Lunesta)• Street names: A-minus, zombie pills• -continued use can lead to physical dependence and

withdrawal symptoms • -“ Because all CNS depressants work by slowing the

brain's activity, when an individual stops taking them, there can be a rebound effect, resulting in seizures or other harmful consequences

Stimulants

• drugs that elevate mood, increase feelings of well-being, and increase energy and alertness.

• -Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, Adderall) • -Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta)• -Street Names: Skippy, the smart drug, Vitamin R,

bennies, black beauties, roses, hearts, speed, uppers• -stimulants are very strong and increase levels of

dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, movement, and attention.

Stimulants Contd.

• when used improperly or by someone that is not prescribed the stimulant, it can become highly addictive

The End….