Truth and Consequences:Teen and Young Adult

Prescription Drug Abuse in America

Presented by

The Montgomery County Health Department

Learning Objectives Identify the difference between a drug and

prescription drug.

Define prescription drug abuse.

Identify reasons for prescription drug use and abuse.

Name four consequences of prescription drug abuse.

Identify myth vs. fact about prescription drug abuse

What do you think?Which behavior(s) is considered prescription drug abuse?

1. Taking a prescription drug that was not prescribed for you

2. Taking more of a prescription drug than you’re supposed to

3. Taking a prescription drug for a reason other than you’re supposed to

4. All of the above

1. Taking a prescription drug that was not prescribed for you

2. Taking more of a prescription drug than you’re supposed to

3. Taking a prescription drug for a reason other than you’re supposed to

4. All of the above

Drug vs. Prescription Drugs What is a drug?

“Articles intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease."

Examples?

What is a prescription drug? A doctor’s written order that authorizes a

pharmacist to supply a specific medication for a patient, with instructions on its use.

Examples?

The Truth…1 in 3 teens reports knowing someone who

abuses prescription (Rx) drugs. Nearly 1 in 5 teens report abusing

medications that were not prescribed to them.

Every day, 2,500 youth (aged 12-17) abuse a prescription pain reliever for the very first time.

*Office of National Drug Control Policy, 2008

The Truth..In 2006, 2.2 million persons aged 12 and older initiated abuse of pain relievers in the past year.

(Office of National Drug Control Policy, 2008)

2,1502,063

1,112

977845860

763

26492 69

267

The Truth…Top five drugs used by 12th graders in the past year

US Dept of Health and Human Services, 2008

Marijuana remains the only “street” drug whose use exceeds that of Rx drugs.

What do you think?In 2010, of the top 200 Rx sold, approximately how many prescriptions were sold?

1. 78,4322. 784,3293. 78.4 million4. 784.3 million5. 7.8 trillion

1. 78,4322. 784,3293. 78.4 million4. 784.3 million5. 7.8 trillion

Doctors have to consider..AgeWeightSeverity of your conditionOther health conditionsOther medications

Prescription DrugsPrescription drugs serve an important

purpose under a doctor’s care.

Prescriptions should be: 1) prescribed for you.2) by a licensed doctor.3) for a current problem.4) taken ONLY as directed.

Prescription Drug Label

What do you think?About how many Americans (age 12 or older) used psychotherapeutic drug for non-medical purposes in 30 days before survey?

1. 7,0002. 70,0003. 700,0004. 7 million5. 70 million

1. 7,0002. 70,0003. 700,0004. 7 million5. 70 million

What do you think?Are teens a part of this problem?

1. Yes2. No1. Yes2. No

What do you think?Why do teens abuse prescription drugs?

1. To get high2. To relieve pain3. To improve grades4. To “fit in”5. All of the above

1. To get high2. To relieve pain3. To improve grades4. To “fit in”5. All of the above

Goal SettingSpecificMeasurableAction-basedRealisticTimely

Consequences

Drug Abuse & Your Health

Health Consequences:• Neurological• Chemical Addiction• Cardiac Events• Death

What do we know about the human brain?

Communication Center

3 pound mass of gray and white matter

Made up of 8 main parts

Develops over time

Brain Development

How Drugs affect the brain..

Addiction

Overstimulation

Euphoric effects

Repeated Usage

Side-effects on the Heart• Rapid, irregular

heartbeat

• Dangerously high body temperature

• Cardiovascular failure

The Ultimate Consequence

Prescription drugs cause most of the more than 26,000 fatal overdoses each year.

Celebrity Identification: Who are these celebrities?

Anna Nicole SmithModel/Actress1967-2007Sedatives and sleep aids

Michael Jackson

Pop Singer1959-2009Sedatives and muscle relaxers

Heath LedgerActor1979-2008Pain, anxiety and sleep aids

Drug Abuse & Society

Social Development

Biggest Factor

As adolescents pull away from their parents in a search for their own identity, their friends become more important

Want to have your voice heard?

Want to Make a Real Change?

Think of Changing:PeoplePlacesThings

Drug Abuse & Money

What will it cost ME? Example: SEROQUEL (Brand)

TARGET PHARMACY T-1269 $205.99 10/16/2011

Where does that money come from?

Minimum wage?• $7.25/hour GROSS PAY

What will you “take home”?• 3.06% PA Income Tax• .500 % Local Income

Tax

= $6.58/hour NET Pay

Want to go to college?

Conviction= Ineligible for Student Loans

Need Federal Assistance?

1990 Denial of Federal Benefits Program

Still Worth It?

Drug Abuse & Criminal Justice

“They will probably just give a slap on the wrist”

Conviction could mean NO renting, or getting evicted

Want to rent an apartment or house?

Want to adopt?

Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997

Want a job??

Standard Job Application

Want to join Armed Forces?

“Disqualifiers: Drug use, alcohol abuse, recent repeated criminal offenses, and any violent sexual criminal convictions will prevent your enlistment.”

Source: http://army.com/info/usa/eligibility

Myths Vs. Reality Myth: Rx drugs are not as harmful as

street drugs. Reality: In 2006, Rx pain meds were

involved in more overdose deaths than heroin and cocaine combined.

Myth: You can’t get addicted to Rx drugs.

Reality: False, Rx drugs can be extremely addicting to the brain and body.

Myths Vs. Reality Myth: I can’t be pressured to use by my

friends. Reality:

More than 1/3 of teens say they feel some pressure to abuse prescription drugs

9% say using prescription drugs to get high is an important part of fitting in with their friends.

S.M.A.R.TGoal Setting

Results

Ripple effects of Rx abuse..

Resources for HelpNeed immediate help?

DIAL 9-1-1Looking for support groups?

Montgomery County Drug and Alcohol Office610-278-3642

ProAct Hotline (24 hours)1-800-221-6333

Narcotics Anonymous610-534-9510

What have we learned?

Drugs vs. Rx Drugs Rx Drug Abuse Reasons for Rx Drug Use and

Abuse 4 major consequences Myths vs. Facts

Questions or comments?

Thank You.

For more information on topic please contact:

The Montgomery County Health Department

(610) 278- 5117