“Drug Choices”

What drug kills more in the U.S. yearly?

What drug kills more in the U.S. yearly?

NICOTINE 430,000 die (3 million world wide) 10 million have diseases $100 billion in health care cost 3,000 youth begin each year 88% start before age 18 #s ^ in 1990s (dwn amg college fresh.

1999) 2/3 have tried to stop

What is the drug of choice for college students?

What is the drug of choice for college students?

ALCOHOL

76-90% drink occasionally; 60% consume 2+ per week

10-20% are heavy drinkers (14+ per week)

50 deaths each year at college parties BAC of .4 to .5 = likely death

What group uses more drugs daily?

What group uses more drugs daily?

ELDERLY

2/3 of 65 & older take one drug per day 1/4 take 3+ a day (some take 10+) 2 bil. prescriptions in U.S yearly ($100 b.) Also use of herbs and vitamins is high 4 out of 5 times we self medicate Adv. up- $345mil. (‘95);$1bil.+ (‘97)

What do these drugs have in common? In some way, they are all legal and

they can all have significant health consequences.

What drugs am I willing to put in my body?

What drugs am I willing to put in my body?

Prescribed Medications?

OTC Treatments?

Legal recreational substances?

Illegal drugs?

Which ones do I believe are safest?

Which ones do I believe are safest?

Cocaine? Marijuana? Alcohol? Tylenol? Tobacco? Natural Herbs?

Make Safer Choices

The University of Houston Wellness Center

Choose learning… Choose leading… Choose health…

Rm. 35, University Center713/743-5455

www.las.uh.edu/wc

For questions or comments, click below:ggillan@uh.edu