Understanding Prescription Drug Abuse. Joan Masters, M.Ed., MACSAPP Missouri Partners in

Transcription

1 Understanding Prescription Drug Abuse Joan Masters, M.Ed., MACSAPP Missouri Partners in

2 America s biggest drug problem is the use of illicit street drugs.

3 America s biggest drug problem is the use of illicit street drugs. Prescription medications are among the most abused substances in the United States!

4 Prescription Drugs on College Campuses: Scope of the Problem Rising nationwide concern In 2012, 21% of Missouri college students used a prescription drug without a prescription. Most popular reasons for using without a prescription: Improve academics (45%) Increase energy (41%) Reduce pain (36%) Reduce stress (30%) Enhance mood (26%)

5 What types of prescription drugs are most commonly abused?

6 What types of prescription drugs are most commonly abused? Painkillers (e.g., OxyContin, Vicodin ) Sedatives (e.g., Xanax, Ativan ) Stimulants (e.g., Adderall, Ritalin )

7 College students are often at high risk for prescription drug abuse.

8 College students are often at high risk for prescription drug abuse. The average age when prescription drug abuse starts is around 21.

9 Alcohol Consumption Alcohol in the Past Year 78% 79% 77% 5+ Drinks in a 2 Hour Period 31% 27% 26% 5+ Drinks in One Sitting 33% 29% 27% 15% of Missouri college students misused Rx medication in

10 Marijuana Use Did not use 70% 79% 76% 1 6 times per year 10% 12% 13% 1 2 times per month 3% 3% 3% 1 2 times per week 2% 2% 2% 3 or more times per week 4% 4% 4% Every day 3% 15% of Missouri college students misused Rx medication in

11 Other Drug Use 2013 Drug Reported any use, past year.. Marijuana 24.0% Bath Salts 2.6% K2 3.4% Cocaine 3.9% Amphetamines 4.9% Inhalants 2.6% Club Drugs 4.5% Heroin 2.3% 15% of Missouri college students misused Rx medication in

12 Top Reasons for Misuse Stress Reduction Boost Academic Performance Sleep Aid Pain Relief

13 Importance of Intended Use Among Users 60.00% 50.00% 40.00% 30.00% 46.60% 50.60% 46.90% 38.80% 20.00% 10.00% 0.00% Stress Reduction Reduce Pain Academics Sleep Aid

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17 What can we do to prevent others from abusing our prescription medications?

18 How can peers help? Support those using medications with a prescription Emphasizing healthy alternatives Stress reduction tips Mind Body Time management Sleep prioritization Pain management resources Student health center contact information Public health clinic contact information Homeopathic techniques

19 Stress Reduction Healthy behavior alternatives Take care of your MIND Avoid unnecessary stress Don t be afraid to take breaks Take care of your BODY Get regular exercise Refuel Take care of your TIME Make lists Manage your time Find local resources

20 Boost Academic Performance Healthy behavior alternatives Prioritize your time Track due dates and deadlines Plan enough time to complete all assignments Study in advance Review new information after each class Get a study buddy or seek out tutoring Set a study schedule Prepare for success Get adequate sleep Eat right before tests and quizzes

21 Sleep Aid Healthy behavior alternatives Maintain a regular sleep schedule Exercise regularly Avoid caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime Study outside the bedroom and use the bed for sleeping

22 Pain Relief Health behavior alternatives Visit your health care provider Make an appointment with your student health center Look for a Public Health center in your area Be sure to dispose of your pain medications after you have healed

23 Most people who abuse prescription medications get them from a drug dealer.

24 Most people who abuse prescription medications get them from a drug dealer. More than 70% of those who abuse prescription medications get them from family members or friends.

25 Health Consequences of Misuse

26 Federal Legal Consequences of Misuse It is prohibited under federal law to manufacture, distribute, dispense, or possess controlled substances without a bona fide prescription. State Typically charged with a Class C Felony 7 years prison sentence $5,000 fine Stigma of being a convicted felon College/University Against Code of Conduct Could result in disciplinary action such as suspension or dismissal

27 Prescription drugs can help us live longer and healthier lives but only if they are used properly under medical supervision.

28 Tips for Bystanders Help others properly dispose of medication Support friends who use medication properly with a prescription Introduce healthy alternatives Refer to support resources

29 Available Resources National Drug Abuse Hotline: Prescription Drug Abuse Hotline: Local campus resources Health centers Wellness centers Counseling centers Public safety departments

30 Generation Rx Created in 2007 by Ohio State University College of Pharmacy Funded by Cardinal Health Foundation 5 toolkits geared at specific audiences College toolkit includes 5 programs The Other Freshman 15 Every 15 Minutes The Adderall Dilemma It s Drug Abuse Prescription for Disaster

31 For More Information Joan Masters Chelsie Covey