PRESCRIPTION DRUGS AND HEROIN IS Heroin is a

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS AND

HEROIN IS: ● Heroin is a type of opioid drug partly natural and partly man-made. ● It is made from morphine, that occurs naturally in the opium poppy plant. ● Its federal classification is Schedule 1 (most dangerous)

HEROIN IN THE BRAIN ● Opiate receptors are found throughout brain and body. ● Heroin penetrates the brain more quickly than other opiates. ● Once attached to receptors, pleasure and pain relief are experienced at same time.

TEEN BRAIN UNDER CONSTRUCTION ● Brain not fully developed until around the age of 25 ● The prefrontal cortex - deals with decisions and consequences– it is the last brain region to develop ● Limbic system responsible for, emotion, feelings and motivation ● Taken during adolescence, drugs actually change how the brain works https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=43 Sf. Gbtzyp 0&list=PLA 2 A 8260 D 89 D 626 D 9&index=12 (1 min. 45 sec. )

REPEATED HEROIN USE CREATES: ● TOLERANCE ● DEPENDANCE ● ADDICTION

SHORT AND LONG TERM EFFECTS: ● Dental issues –brittle, cracked teeth ● Constipation ● Excessive weight loss ● Reduced sexual capacity ● Infections ● Pneumonia ● Increased risk of HIV and Hepatitis ●Permanent damage to organs ●Coma ●Death Extreme itching, nausea, can’t urinate

FEELINGS OF WITHDRAWL l Have you ever had the flu? l Addicts continue to use, knowing if they stop, they will face the horror of those feelings, but so much worse.

PRESCRIPTION PAIN MEDICATIONS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ● Prescribed be a doctor, pain medications (VICODIN, OXYCONTIN, CODEINE, MORPHINE) are necessary to manage and relieve pain ONLY from surgery, sports or other injuries, and cancer. ● INCREASING CONCERNS: When used improperly, prescription pain medication use can lead to heroin use.

CAUTION When medications are used without guidance of a Health Care Professional, it can be a prescription for disaster. DO NOT USE SOMEONE ELSE’S MEDICATION – PRESCRIPTION OR OVER THE COUNTER

HOW TO STAY SAFE ● ● ● You and your parents should talk about risks with your doctor; ask about alternative treatments. Take medications exactly as prescribed; if still in pain go back to doctor. DO NOT TAKE MORE OF YOUR MEDICINE Be honest - tell your doctor about any other disorder or history of taking substances for “pleasurable” effects. Opioids should NEVER be combined with alcohol. Combining them increases the risk of overdose and death. Any left over pills, ask pharmacist or there are local programs that take back unused medications.

PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE Watch Video MOUSE TALES: http: //learn. genetics. utah. edu/content/addiction/mouse/

SURPRISING FACTS Have you ever felt pleasantly relaxed after exercising a lot? ● That feeling was probably caused by the release of these natural chemicals called “endorphins” in your brain. ●

B. L. A. S. T Bored ● Lonely ● Angry ● Stressed ● Tired ● If you are in one of these states, what can you do “naturally” to feel better? ●

HELP IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE If you are having a hard time, stressed out, need to talk to someone, or don’t know what to say or where to go: THERE ARE PEOPLE TO HELP YOU: Student Assistant Counselors, School Psychologists, Guidance Counselors, Parents/Relatives, Teachers, Coaches, Clergy, Doctors or Trusted Adults MY GO TO PERSON IS: _________________ Rockland Behavorial Healh Team is available 24/7 at: 845 – 517 – 0400 Anonymous Talk – Line 24/7: 1 – 800 – 273 - 8255

WAYS YOU CAN HELP A PERSON ● STAY with this person. A connection goes a long way. ● LISTEN – Really listen! They might have a hard time clarifying their needs. It can be difficult to talk when your are hurting. BE PATIENT ● HELP – Ask for help if you need it. Contact someone you trust. “Once you choose hope, anything is possible”

VIDEOS/ROCKLAND STATS l l l l l Chris Herren was a Massachusetts high school legend who made it to the NBA to play for his hometown Boston Celtics. He also lost his career, money and nearly his life due to his alcohol and heroin addiction. Herren, 35, details his descent and road back to redemption in a new book, "Basketball Junkie: A Memoir. " 4 min 45 sec https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=p. M 5 PYJ 03 r. NY Chris Herren – 21 min. https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=dq. Py. Vk. XUHz. E Chris Herren – 5 min 30 sec - Showtime https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=GFy. WBj. DTr 0 M http: //westchester. news 12. com/news-12 -special-report-hooked-on-heroin-1. 7342744 http: //westchester. news 12. com/news-12 -special-report-hooked-on-heroin-part-21. 7355789 http: //genrx. origobranding. com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/12. Generation. Rx_Youth_Bulletinboard-panels. pdf (RX Truth and myth/facts) Addiction/help video with David Carlucci at Clarkstown South HS 5/11/16 http: //www. meettheleaders. com/2016/05/meet-the-leaders-at-school-clarkstown-hs/