Prescription Drugs... They're in the home and on the streets! Nine million Americans, 12 years + used prescription drugs for nonmedical reasons in 1999. There are three classes...
- Opioids(Generally prescribed for pain relief)
Some examples: OxyContin, Darvoset, Vicodin, Demerol, Dilaudid.
Some effects: depressed respiration; physical dependence, withdrawal and/or addiction; if large enough dose-death
- Depressants (Generally prescribed for anxiety and tension)
Some examples: Valium, Librium, Xanax
Some effects: lethargy; physical dependence, withdrawl and/or addiction; brain seizures after discontinued use
- Stimulants (Generally prescribed for narcolepsy and attention-deficit)
Some examples: Dexedrine; Ritalin, Meridia
Some effects: Elevated blood pressure; increased heart rate; increased respiration; potential addiction; cardiovascular failure or lethal seizures; possible paranoia
Did you know...
- Ritalin ranks on the Top 10 of the most often stolen prescription drug in Massachusettes.
- A Massachusettes Department of Health survey found that 13% of Massachusettes high school students admit to an unprescribed use of Ritalin.
- Prescription drugs are number two after marijuana in terms of drugs kids said they used most often.
- Adolescent females especially feel prescription drugs are "cleaner and safer" because they are manufactured in controlled conditions.
- Kids often start experimenting with drugs around seventh grade and will experiment with those most available... such as prescription drugs.
- MDMA and illicit use of prescription drugs represent the most significant drug threats in Massachusettes after heroin, cocaine, and marijuana.