Prescripti on Drug Abu se What is prescription

Prescripti on Drug Abu se

What is prescription drug abuse? • Taking drugs for reasons or in ways or amounts not intended by the doctor • The use of drugs by someone other than the person for whom they are prescribed

Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs • Opioids for (pain) • Central Nervous System Depressants (for anxiety and sleep disorders) • Stimulants (for ADHD and narcolepsy)

How Do Prescription and OTC Drugs Affect the Brain? • When not taken as intended, prescription drugs can affect the brain in ways similar to illicit drugs • Prescription Drugs can increase the amount of dopamine in the brain and repeatedly seeking that feeling can lead to addiction • Stimulants like Ritalin achieve their effects by acting on the same neurotransmitter systems as cocaine • Opioid pain relievers such as Oxy. Contin attach to the same cell receptors targeted by heroin • Prescription depressants produce sedating or calming effects in the same manner as the club drugs GHB and rohypnol

Other Health Affects of Prescription Drug Abuse • Decrease efficiency of cardiovascular system and irregular heart rate • Dangerously increased body temperature • Heart Failure or Seizures • Hostility and Feelings of Paranoia • Drowsiness • Slowed Brain Activity

Did You Know… • More people die from overdoses of prescription opioids than from all other drugs combined, including heroin and cocaine

Prevention of Prescription Drug Misuse • Always follow prescribed directions • Be aware of potential interactions with other drugs and inform your doctor about other prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and dietary/herbal supplements you are taking • Never stop or change dosing regimen without talking to your doctor first • Never take someone else’s prescription • Properly discard unused and expired medications

• The Center for Wellness Promotion has a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist who offers individual assessments and counseling for alcohol and other drug issues. • The UNC Charlotte Counseling Center is also available to help. To make an initial appointment with a counselor, call 704‑ 687‑ 0311 or stop by the Counseling Center, located on the first floor of the Atkins Building. • National Alcohol and Substance Abuse Center: (800)784 -6776

CAMPUS 12 STEP MEETINGS Collegiate Recovery Community Student Health Center Room- 121 NINER Noon Thirty Campus AA Group • Monday- 6: 00 -7: 00 p. m. ! ! W E N CAMPUS NA GROUP • Tuesdays 4: 30 -5: 30 p. m. CAMPUS Al-Anon • Wednesdays 6: 00 -7: 00 p. m. (starting September 4, 2013) • Wednesday- 12: 30 -1: 30 p. m. For more Information please go to CRCUNCC. BLOGSPOT. COM