Prescription Drug Abuse

What is prescription drug abuse?

• Taking drugs for reasons or in ways or amounts not intended by the doctor

• The use of drugs by someone other than the person for whom they are prescribed

Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs

• Opioids for (pain)

• Central Nervous System Depressants (for anxiety and sleep disorders)

• Stimulants (for ADHD and narcolepsy)

How Do Prescription and OTC Drugs Affect the Brain?

• When not taken as intended, prescription drugs can affect the brain in ways similar to illicit drugs

• Prescription Drugs can increase the amount of dopamine in the brain and repeatedly seeking that feeling can lead to addiction

• Stimulants like Ritalin achieve their effects by acting on the same neurotransmitter systems as cocaine

• Prescription depressants produce sedating or calming effects in the same manner as the club drugs GHB and rohypnol

• Opioid pain relievers such as OxyContin attach to the same cell receptors targeted by heroin

Other Health Affects of Prescription Drug Abuse

• Decrease efficiency of cardiovascular system and irregular heart rate

• Dangerously increased body temperature

• Heart Failure or Seizures

• Hostility and Feelings of Paranoia

• Drowsiness

• Slowed Brain Activity

Did You Know…• More people die from overdoses of prescription opioids than

from all other drugs combined, including heroin and cocaine

Prevention of Prescription Drug Misuse

• Always follow prescribed directions• Be aware of potential interactions with other drugs

and inform your doctor about other prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and dietary/herbal supplements you are taking

• Never stop or change dosing regimen without talking to your doctor first

• Never take someone else’s prescription • Properly discard unused and expired medications

• The Center for Wellness Promotion has a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist who offers individual assessments and counseling for alcohol and other drug issues.

• The UNC Charlotte Counseling Center is also available to help. To make an initial appointment with a counselor, call 704 687 0311 or stop by the Counseling ‑ ‑Center, located on the first floor of the Atkins Building.

• National Alcohol and Substance Abuse Center: (800)784-6776

CAMPUS 12 STEP MEETINGS

Campus AA Group • Monday- 6:00-7:00 p.m.

CAMPUS NA GROUP• Tuesdays 4:30-5:30 p.m.

CAMPUS Al-Anon•Wednesdays 6:00-7:00p.m.

(starting September 4, 2013)

Collegiate Recovery Community

Student Health CenterRoom- 121

NEW

!!

NINER Noon Thirty • Wednesday- 12:30-1:30 p.m.

For more Information please go to

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