Prescription Drug Abuse
Madalen Burke
Why Do People Abuse Drugs?
- They think it will help them have fun.
- They think it will help them lose weight
- They think it will help them fit in.
- They can be easier to get, where street drugs are not.
- People around you may have them too for an illness.
- Many people believe that they are safer and not as addictive as street drugs.
Opioids
- Types of Opioids: Oxycodone, hydrocodone and meperidine
- Uses for Opioids: Used to treat pain, coughs and diarrhea
- How They Work: Attach to opioid receptors in the Central Nervous System, keeping the brain from recieving messages of pain.
CNS Depressants
- Types of Depressants: pentobarbital sodium, diazepam and alprazolam (Xanax).
- Uses for Depressants: Used to treat anxiety, tension, panic attacks, and sleep disorders.
- How They Work: Slow down brain activity by increasing the activity of a neurotransmitter.
Stimulants
- Types of Stimulants: methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine (Adderall)
- Uses for Stimulants: used to treat narcolepsy and ADHD
- How They Work: Increases brain actvity so that you are more alert and have more energy.
Addiction
- Signs: Feeling the need to have a specific drug, mood changes, changes in weight or other signs of drug addiction
- Treatment: Withdrawal can be dangerous when it isn't watched. A teacher, doctor, nurse or counselor can get you the help you need. There are two main types of treatment you can get.
- Behavioral Treatment: Teaches people how to live without drugs and overall handle themselves without them.
- Pharmacological Treatment: Gives patients a special medicine to help them eliminate drug cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
I believe everyone is capable of making it to recovery as long as they cooperate with it and accept the change.
Tips for Taking Prescription Meds
Tell your doctor about the effects that the drug has on you.
Don't do any activities that you were advised not to do while on the medication.
Don't change the dose on your medication!
Go to all doctors appointments to see how you're doing with it.
Don't do any activities that you were advised not to do while on the medication.
Don't change the dose on your medication!
Go to all doctors appointments to see how you're doing with it.