Prescription & Other Drugs
STIMULANT MISUSE
As prescription stimulants become more common on college campuses, concerns have been raised about the misuse of these drugs by college students. Estimates are that up to 20% of college students abuse prescription stimulants, most often by ingesting medications not prescribed to them.
The presence of prescription stimulants on college campuses has risen significantly in recent years. Although recognized for their efficacy in students diagnosed with either ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) or ADD (attention deficit disorder), prescription stimulants pose potentially deleterious effects if used without a prescription.
Recently, concerns have arisen over the abuse of stimulants by students without a prescription for these medications. Estimates are that up to 20% of college students abuse prescription stimulants for recreational or academic purposes, most often by obtaining the medications from peers who hold prescriptions for the drugs.
Potentially dangerous health effects from ingesting non-prescribed stimulants include cardiac irregularities, elevations in blood pressure, dependency (with frequent use), and paranoia. Recent work indicates cognitive dysfunction in college students who misuse prescription stimulants, including dysfunction in self-monitoring and abnormalities in working memory.
Importantly, combining prescription stimulants with other substances may magnify the effects of one or the other compounds. For example, combining Ritalin or Adderall with alcohol may mask the amount of alcohol consumed, putting the individual at greater risk for alcohol overdose or toxicity.
Research has shown that those students most at risk for prescription stimulant abuse are males, members of Greek organizations, students who consume other substances recreationally (including alcohol), and students who self-report as being more “invincible”.
As part of an ongoing effort to raise awareness and stimulate discussion on the issue of prescription stimulant abuse on campuses, the regional prevention coalitions in South and Kent County have create Addy, a character to help raise awareness about the risks of stimulant misuse.
Look for Addy to find out more!
Misuse of Adderall
Due to its addiction potential, a person can rapidly move from Adderall recreational use to misuse to addiction. While teens and young adults are most affected, anyone can develop an Adderall misuse problem. The physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms can include:
· Sociability, talkativeness, and fast thoughts
· A sense of grandiosity, invincibility, and intense wellbeing
· Dry mouth, nausea, and vomiting
· Nervousness, anxiety, and panic
· Doctor shopping (visiting multiple healthcare providers to obtain more drugs)
· Manipulating Adderall’s format (e.g., crushing and snorting it)
· Being fearful of the prospect of not having Adderall
· Spending a significant amount of time finding the drug, using it, or recovering from Adderall use
Adderall misuse will cause a person to build a tolerance to the drug. To experience the desired Adderall high, over time, a person will have to consume more of this drug. When the use stops, withdrawal symptoms will emerge. Such symptoms can include fatigue, irritability, anxiety, depression, confusion, and/or sleep troubles.
Treatment of Adderall addiction may include drug detox to overcome the symptoms of withdrawal, inpatient or live-in rehab, therapies, and more.
https://americanaddictioncenters.org/
Can You Spot the Fake?
Never trust your own eyes to determine if a pill is legitimate. The only safe medications are ones prescribed by a trusted medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist.
Fake or Counterfeit Prescription Pills
NEED A LOCKBAG
Count It! Lock It! Drop It! is a comprehensive community program for prescription drug abuse prevention. The program was developed as a response to the county’s rising drug overdose epidemic by promoting safe prescription medication monitoring and storage in the home and the proper disposal of unused or unwanted medications utilizing community drop boxes located at most police departments. Click HERE to find your nearest drop off location.
Count It!
Monitor Your Rx Meds!
Medicine cabinets have become an unintended source of drugs — for risky teen “experimentation,” for addicts who crave them and for thieves who sell them on the street. Make it a goal to count your pills frequently and check expiration dates. This will prevent theft and help ensure medications are taken properly.
Lock It!
Store Your Rx Drugs Safely!
Lock up medications and store them in a secure place. Friends’ and relatives’ medicine cabinets are often a source for prescription pain pills. Protect your loved ones by using lock bags to securely store your prescription medications. If not used properly, prescription drugs can be as harmful and dangerous as illicit drugs.
Drop It!
Store Your Rx Drugs Safely!
Dispose of All Unused or Expired Rx Medications!
Make sure your medicine cabinet doesn’t become a “source.” Take advantage of drop boxes located at all South County Police Departments to dispose of unused or expired drugs.
It’s just too risky to leave them hanging around!
Protect your loved ones by using lock bags & drop boxes!
Find a Safe Disposal Site Near You!
