Prescription Drug Abuse

Ryan DePuy

Friend Son Brother Soccer player Snowboarder Junior at Bothell

High School

Ryan overdosed from 4 different medications on April 10th, 2008.

He was only 17 years old. His death could have been prevented.

Opioids Pain Relievers

Oxycodone (oxycontin) Percocet Vicodin

Opioids Side Effects:

Low blood pressure Nausea Vomiting Respiratory Depression

Opioids Withdrawal

Flu-like symptoms (fever, nausea, diarrhea) Intense dysphoria Random anxiety or discomfort

Depressants Treats anxiety and sleep disorders

Valium Xanax

Depressants Side Effects:

Sedation Coma Decreased respiration Lethargy Mental confusion

Depressants Withdrawal

Shakes Seizures Insomnia Can be life-threatening

Stimulants Helps attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

(ADHD) Dextroamphetamin Methylphenidate

Stimulants Side Effects

Fever Fast heart rate Increased blood pressure Seizures

Stimulants Withdrawal

Irritability Increased appetite Poor attention Intense craving for drug

Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs bought over the counter without a

prescription

OTC Side Effects

Vomiting Convulsions Fast heart rate Coma Heart attack

Once addicted, your brain depends on the drugs to function normally.

After withdrawal, your brain can go back to functioning without the drugs.

Dopamine A neurotransmitter in the brain that controls

Adrenaline Pleasure

Dopamine Opiates increase the levels of dopamine so

the person experiences intense levels of pleasure

Each time the abuser uses the drug, the level of pleasure decreases

Dopamine The abuser is trying to reach the same level

of pleasure they had the first time they used, that is why they increase the amount of drugs they use

Dopamine After abusing drugs, your natural levels of

dopamine decrease This can cause depression and without the

drugs it is hard to naturally be happy

Most Teens Do NOT Abuse Prescription Drugs Healthy Youth Survey

Everett School District 10th Graders: 88% do not use prescription drugs

Everett School District 12th Graders: 88% do not use prescription drugs

Most Teens Do NOT Abuse Prescription Drugs Healthy Youth Survey

Henry M. Jackson High School 10th Graders: 88% do not use prescription drugs

Henry M. Jackson High School 12th Graders: 87% do not use prescription drugs

Only 10% of teens in Washington are abusing prescription drugs

1 in 10 prescription drug abusers will die from an overdose

Many teens are involved with criminal activity to support their addiction because it is so costly

Remember, most teenagers do NOT abuse prescription drugs

If you know someone who is, go to a trusted adult to get help

Any Questions?

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