1. 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.

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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…

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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

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