The Facts on Opioids\Prescription Drugs
What is Prescription Opioid Misuse?
Taking more medication than prescribed
Taking medication for a reason other than prescribed
Taking someone else’s medication
Availability and Accessibility
Over 75% of Kansas youth who have misused a prescription medication got them from a friend or relative. Encourage safe storage and disposal of medications to prevent access.
What’s the Big Deal?
Prescription opioid misuse and abuse is RISKY, can lead
to ADDICTION, and can be just as dangerous and fatal as using illegal drugs. Our brains do not fully develop until around the age of 25. Opioid abuse in youth or young adulthood can impair healthy brain development.
Some of the most commonly prescribed opioids include Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, Vicodin, Oxycontin, Roxicodone, Percocet, Codine, Morphine, and Fentanyl.
Over 70,000 people die each year in the US from drug overdose.
130 people die each day due to an opioid overdose.
Reasons Douglas County youth turn to drug use
It is socially acceptable
Peer pressure
Social media
To cope with anxiety or stress
Family issues
No fear of consequences
Negative affects of drug use
Impaired self-control, coordination, reaction times and body movement
Increased risk of depression and suicide
Memory problems, forgetfulness
Changes in brain development
Impaired motor skills and cognitive thinking
Legal, financial, and social consequences
Poor academic or athletic behavior
Disruption of family life
Warning signs someone you know may have a drug issue.
Irritability, fatigue, trouble sleeping, change in appetite
Changes in mood, behavior, appearance or friends
Slipping grades or skipping class
Lying or stealing, not getting along with others
Loss of interest in academic, social and recreational activities.
HOW TO PREVENT YOUTH FROM USING DRUGS
Be present, provide them with support
Communicate the risks, pay attention to behavior
Clearly define and enforce the rules and consequences of drug use
Make sure they know that it is illegal
Do not let them drink at home, even if you are there
Spend one-one-one time with your child
Provide positive role models
Get involved in their social life
Promote healthy activities and hobbies
Give them curfews; involve them in the decision
Praise them for making good decisions
HOW TO PREVENT YOUTH FROM ABUSING PRESCRIPTION OPIOIDS
Preventing access to prescription drugs by locking them up
Educating others about the dangers of prescription drug misuse
Be a role model by modeling responsible behaviors
Practice the safe use of medications by reading and following directions
Safely dispose of unused and expired medications
Staying drug free and encouraging others to do the same
If you or someone you know needs help with addiction call:
DCCCA Outpatient Substance Use Treatment: 785-830-8238
Kansas Substance Use Treatment Referral Line: 1-866-645-8216
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP
It’s never too late to ask for help.
Explore local and national resources to help with drug use and opioid abuse.