South Carolina College of Pharmacy Presenters names go here
What is a prescription drug? A medication that requires written instructions from a doctor, which can then be dispensed by a pharmacist.
How many prescriptions are purchased in the United States every year? 3.8 Billion
Why do people need prescription drugs? To improve the quality of their health
Abuse vs. Misuse Abuse : taking a medication without a prescription in order to experience the feeling it gives you or “get high”. Misuse : taking a medication incorrectly or in a different way than your doctor prescribed. 20% of teenagers abuse prescription drugs Taking the wrong amount Taking it at the wrong time Forgetting to take it Stopping use of the medication too soon
Why do people abuse prescription drugs? To get high or feel good On accident (misuse) “Self-medicating” To feel better Peer Pressure To feel more confident To do better in school They’re bored To rebel or someone told them not to They think they are safer than street drugs
Why are abuse and misuse dangerous? Every year 15,000 people die from overdosing on prescription painkillers In 2009, 1.2 million emergency room visits were prescription drug related while 1 million were related to elicit drugs.
Why are abuse and misuse dangerous? Addiction and withdrawal Accidents and injury Poor academic performance IT’S ILLEGAL!
How to prevent abuse: Peer Pressure 80% of teenagers have not abused prescription medications 90% of teenagers don’t think using prescription drugs is important for fitting in with friends
How to prevent abuse: Academics Ask for help from teachers, parents, coaches, or school counselors If you think you need prescriptions, ask your doctor
How to prevent abuse: Accidents Read the directions on your prescriptions Ask you doctor and pharmacist to make sure you’re taking it correctly Set a timer as a reminder Keep medications in the original bottle and stored in a safe place
How to prevent abuse: Self-medicating If you think you need prescription drugs for focusing, because you’re sad or stressed, or any other reason – ask your doctor!
How to prevent abuse: Thinking it’s safer than street drugs 40% of teenagers consider the abuse of prescription drugs to be much safer than street drugs. The majority of teenagers who abuse prescriptions get them for free from family and friends
If you think you have a problem – GET HELP! Crisis Call Center: or text ANSWER to crisiscallcenter.org National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Ask your parents, doctor, pharmacist, coaches, or teachers