Prescription + Over-The-Counter (OTC) Drug Abuse & Prevention Prescription drug abuse occurs when someone takes a prescription drug that is not prescribed to him/her. Abuse also includes taking a prescription for something other than for what it is prescribed or in dosages not prescribed. Abuse of over-the-counter medicines occurs when they are used for reasons or in dosages not recommended.

Commonly Abused Drugs Opioids (“pain pills”) Hydrocodone Oxycodone Oxymorphone Propoxyphene Hydromorphone Meperidine Diphenoxylate Central Nervous System Depressants (used for anxiety and sleep disorders) Pentobarbital sodium Diazepam Alprazolam Stimulants Dextroamphetamine Methylphenidate Amphetamines

Be Aware of Common Street Names Alprazolam or Xanax®—Z-bar, Bricks or Benzos Amphetamines or Adderall®—Beans, Black Beauties, Speed, Uppers Diazepam or Valium®—Blues Hydrocodone or Vicodin®—Vike Methylphenidate or Ritalin®/Concerta®—Vitamin R, Rid, Rittys, Rits Oxycodone or OxyContin®—Oxy’s, Hillbilly Heroin, Dope, 40s, 20s or 80s Oxycodone + Paracetamol or Percocet®—Percs Sedatives and Tranquilizers—Chills Pills, French Friends, Tranqs

Effects of the Abuse Possible addiction if used long-term Drowsiness Constipation Depressed breathing Slowed brain function Anxiety Paranoia Irregular heartbeat Seizures Dangerous body temperatures (high) And more…

Over-The-Counters Most commonly abused is cough medicine The dextromethorphan (DXM) in cough medicines can give a “high” One out of 20 teens reports abusing it Found in common OTC tablets, gelcaps, capsules, liquids, and lozenges Some medicines it’s found in include: Alka Seltzer Plus™, Comtrex™, Coricidin™, Delsym™, Dimetapp™, Mucinex DM™, Pediacare™, Robitussin™, Theraflu™,  Triaminic™, Tylenol Cough & Cold™, Vicks DayQuil™/NyQuil™, Vicks Formula 44™ plus store brand versions

Prevalence & Prevention From 2002 to 2009, prescription drug abuse increased 20 percent in those 12 and older. Abuse of prescription and OTC drugs is more than the collective abuse of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and ecstasy. Education and awareness of the dangers of drug abuse is a good place to start. Utilize the plethora of websites and resources available with free toolkits and downloads. www.drugabuse.gov www.stopmedicineabuse.org www.cadca.org

Prevention in the Community Annual drug awareness walks Drop-off points for unused prescription and OTC medicines Large events to dump your drugs off in a day or weekend Public service announcements Training for healthcare providers, educators, parents, caregivers, etc. who can prevent, identify and treat abuse Interventions, alternative activities, mentoring, and support groups

SOURCES www.cadca.org www.drugabuse.gov http://stopmedicineabuse.org/ www.preventrxabuse.org