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PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE

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Use of illegal, prescription, or over-the-counter drugs for purposes other than those for which they are meant to be used, or in excessive amounts.

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BENZODIAZEPINES

Medications that slow brain activity, which makes them useful for treating anxiety and sleep problems. Examples include: Valium, Xanax, Halcion, Ativan, and Klonopin.
Short term: Drowsiness, slurred speech, poor concentration, confusion, dizziness, problems with movement and memory, lowered blood pressure, slowed breathing.
With alcohol: Further slows heart rate and breathing, which can lead to death.

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PRESCRIPTION OPIOIDS

Pain relievers with an origin similar to that of heroin. Opioids can cause euphoria and are often used non medically, leading to overdose deaths. Examples include: Oxycodone, Oxymorphone, Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone, Fentanyl, Morphine, Codeine, Methadone, Tramadol, and Buprenorphine.
Short term: Pain relief, drowsiness, nausea, constipation, euphoria, slowed breathing, death.
Long term: Increased risk of overdose or addiction if misused.
With alcohol: Dangerous slowing of heart rate and breathing leading to coma or death.

What is it? Pain relievers with an origin similar to that of heroin. Opioids can cause euphoria and are often used non medically, leading to overdose deaths.
Commercial (prescription) names: Codeine, Fentanyl, Hydrocodone or dihydrocodeinone (Vicodin®, Norco®, Zohydro®, and others), Methadone, Morphine, Oxycodone (OxyContin®, Percodan®, Percocet®, and others)
Street names: Captain Cody, Coties, Schoolboy, Apache, Blonde, Blue Diamond, Vikes, Veeks, Idiot Pills, Amidone, Biscuits, Fizzies, Dreamer, First Line, Joy Juice, Oxy, Cotton, Hillbilly Heroin, Kickers, Percs
Short term health effects: Pain relief, drowsiness, nausea, constipation, euphoria, slowed breathing, death.
Long term health effects: Increased risk of overdose or addiction if misused.
With alcohol: Dangerous slowing of heart rate and breathing leading to coma or death.

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PRESCRIPTION STIMULANTS

Medications that increase alertness, attention, energy, blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate. Used to enhance brain activity. Examples include: Adderall/Dexedrine & Concerta/Ritalin. Synthetic (not made in a lab) stimulants include: Methamphetamine, Cocaine, and Methcathinone.
Short term: Increased alertness, attention, energy; increased blood pressure and heart rate; narrowed blood vessels; increased blood sugar; opened-up breathing passages. High doses: dangerously high body temperature and irregular heartbeat; heart disease; seizures.
Long term: Heart problems, psychosis, anger, paranoia.
With alcohol: Masks the depressant action of alcohol, increasing risk of alcohol overdose; may increase blood pressure.

What is it? Medications that increase alertness, attention, energy, blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate.
Commercial (prescription) names: Amphetamine (Adderall®), Methylphenidate (Concerta®, Ritalin®)
Street names: Addys, Bennies, Beans, Black Beauties, Crosses, Hearts, Ivy League Drug, Pep Pills, Speed, Truck Drivers, Uppers, Diet Coke, JIF, Kiddie Coke, MPH, R-Ball, RPop, Skippy, Study Buddies , The Smart Drug, Vitamin R
Short term health effects: Increased alertness, attention, energy; increased blood pressure and heart rate; narrowed blood vessels; increased blood sugar; opened-up breathing passages. High doses: dangerously high body temperature and irregular heartbeat; heart disease; seizures.
Long term health effects: Heart problems, psychosis, anger, paranoia.
With alcohol: Masks the depressant action of alcohol, increasing risk of alcohol overdose; may increase blood pressure.

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METHAMPHETAMINE

An extremely addictive stimulant amphetamine drug. Used to treat ADHD.

Short term: Increased wakefulness and physical activity; decreased appetite; increased breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, temperature; irregular heartbeat.

Long term: Anxiety, confusion, insomnia, mood problems, violent behavior, paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, weight loss, severe dental problems ("meth mouth"), intense itching leading to skin sores from scratching.

With alcohol: Masks the depressant effect of alcohol, increasing risk of alcohol overdose; may increase blood pressure.

What is it? An extremely addictive stimulant amphetamine drug. .
Commercial (prescription) names: Desoxyn® used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Street names: Crank, Chalk, Crystal, Dunk, Gak, Ice, Meth, Pookie, Quartz, Rocket Fuel, Scooby Snax, Speed, Trash
Short term health effects: Increased wakefulness and physical activity; decreased appetite; increased breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, temperature; irregular heartbeat.
Long term health effects: Anxiety, confusion, insomnia, mood problems, violent behavior, paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, weight loss, severe dental problems ("meth mouth"), intense itching leading to skin sores from scratching.
With alcohol: Masks the depressant effect of alcohol, increasing risk of alcohol overdose; may increase blood pressure.

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DRUG INTERACTION EFFECTS

POTENTIATION

When the synergistic effect of two or more drugs work simultaneously (two depressants or two stimulants).

Examples:

Alcohol + Marijuana

Alcohol + Vicodin

Alcohol + Valium

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DRUG INTERACTION EFFECTS

ANTAGONISTIC INTERACTION

When the effect of one drug is reduced by another (depressant and a stimulant).

Examples:

Alcohol + Cocaine

Alcohol + Speed

Alcohol + Ecstasy

Alcohol + Energy Drink

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ADDITIONAL RISKS

Dosage

Unintended usage

Not all the same

Side effects

Drug interactions

Laced

There is no “safe” dosage because it was not prescribed for you. You don’t know what a certain dosage may to do your body
The dangers of prescription drug abuse can be made even worse if people take drugs in a way they weren't intended to be used. When a person takes it either unnecessarily or in a way it wasn’t intended (such as snorting or injection), toxicity can be serious.
You may be familiar with a certain brand name or generic prescription, but not all are the same. Some prescription drugs are sold on the street, or maybe from one friend to another. It will not always be possible to know exactly what you’re taking or if it’s been mixed with something else.
When a doctor prescribes a medication they tell them exactly how they should take the medicine, including things to avoid while taking the drug. They also are aware of side effects and can watch patients closely for these.

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How would you assess the chapter’s level of risk related to prescription drug abuse?

What can we do to address these risks?

What can we do to help the fraternity and sorority/campus community become aware of and address the risks of prescription drug abuse?

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RESOURCES

Campus Resources

ADD

Community Resources

ADD

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

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QUESTIONS?