Safe medication Use
What is the difference between over-the-counter (OTC) medications and prescription medications
OTC medications are generally considered safe to use without a doctor and can be bought with out a prescription
Prescription medications are more powerful, can be more addictive, and require a doctors prescription to buy.
What can happen if you consume more of a medication than your body can process?
An overdose, which can lead to death due to hypoxia
How do illegal drugs effect the brain?
Many illegal drugs alters the area of the brain that controls self-regulation and dopamine production.
What programs are available for recovering individuals to avoid relapse?
-Skills training programs
-Support groups
-Sober living communities
How do hallucinogens effect individuals behaviorally?
They change how the brain perceives and processes which causes people to see and believes things that are not real leading to erratic behavior
Who regulates medications in the United States
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
How does medication abuse effect dopamine and addiction?
Medications cause the brain to release extra dopamine which causes euphoria and addiction.
Continual use causes the brain to produce less natural dopamine.
Other than the effects on the brain, how do stimulants such as methamphetamine effect the body?
Users may develop:
-Malnutrition
-Dental Complications
-Skin sores
-Stroke/ heart attacks
-Coma/ death
What percentage of people who abuse drugs have a mental illness?
Approximately 50% of drug users have mental illnesses
What are the 4 types of prescription medication?
Antibiotics - Kills bacteria
Antivirals/ Antifungals- Reduces the effects or viruses and funguses
Anesthetics- Pain relief
Antidepressants- regulate mood and brain chemistry
What are the four risks of taking a medication?
Side effects- unintended body responses to medications
Medication Interaction- multiple medication unintentionally increasing the effects of each other
Sensitivities and Allergies- the body having negative reactions to medications
Medication Tolerance and Withdrawal- the body adapting to and needing the medication to avoid withdrawal symptoms
What are teens who misuse medications more likely to do?
-Contract sexually transmitted infections
-Get in car crashes
-Become pregnant
-Become violent
-Commit Crimes
-Have negative relationships
Why do illegal drugs often cause overdoses?
Illegal drugs are often "cut" (mixed with other substances) with other substances such as fentanyl without the users knowledge leading to accidental overdoses an death.
Why do some individuals self medicate?
It is an attempt to manage negative feelings and mental disorders.
Sometimes due to poor decision making, sometimes due to lack of resources and a healthy support system.
What is another name for club drugs?
Many are referred to as "Date Rape Drugs". as individuals sometimes slip these drugs into victim's drink to intoxicate them and commit sexual assaults
What is included on medications drug facts labels?
-Intended uses
-Warnings
-Possible Interactions
-Side effects
-Recommended Dosage
-Storage Instructions
What are the types of commonly misused medications?
Depressants- slows down the central nervous system. (including opioids)
Stimulants- speeds up the central nervous system
Cold Medications- drugs similar to opioids to reduce cough that can also cause hallucinations
Performance enhancing drugs- steroids to increase athletic performance
How does the legalization of some forms of marijuana effect the negatives health consequences due to consumption?
It does not:
There are still negative health consequences to smoking similar to how cigarettes are legal but still bad for your health.
What is the difference between an outpatient rehabilitation facility and a residential rehabilitation facility?
Outpatient- less intensive, patients return home after their appointment, similar to counseling/therapy
Residential- More intensive, patients live at the treatment facility, it may last several weeks or months.
About what percentage of people who have an eating disorder abuse diet pills?
50%
What are the 5 delivery methods of medications?
Oral- pills
Topical- creams
Inhaled- breathed through nose/ mouth
Liquid- such as eye drops
Injected- shots
What are common symptoms of an overdose?
-Seizures
-Difficulty Breathing
-Delirium
-Changes to skin color
-Abnormal Pulse
How do inhalants lead to hypoxia?
Your body does not receive the oxygen it needs leading to cell death.
What are five ways to prevent medication and drug abuse?
-Take care of your mental health
-Avoid risky situations such as parties with people using drugs
-Plan ahead, think of your refusal strategies and exit strategies before an situation occurs
-Use your refusal skills and say no
-Participate in educational programs
What is the lethal dose of fenanyl?
2 milligrams
About the size of a couple of grains of sand