Uncovering Prescription Drug Abuse on College Campuses
Delve into the alarming rise of prescription drug abuse among college students, its consequences, and potential solutions.
Uncovering Prescription Drug Abuse on College Campuses
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Presentation Transcript
Generation RX: A look into prescription drug abuse on college campuses
Introduction: The problem: 12 million people Number of deaths due to overdoses: 36,000 total and 14,000 due to prescription drug overdose 2012- number 1 cause of death in 17 states 2009- 12% of college students
Terms and Definitions:- Prescription drug abuse: the intentional use of medication without a prescription; in a way other than as prescribed; or for the experience or feeling it causes-Opioids: produced from opium, produces sedation and pain relief (OxyCotin, Vicodin)-Stimulants: elevates mood, feeling of alertness and increased energy (Adderall, Ritalin)-Tranquilizers: depress the CNS, cause sedation (Valium and Xanax)
College Campuses • Increase of use on college campuses • Survey on 1,300 four year students: 61% had been offered • Reasons: • Stimulants • Opioids • Tranquilizers
Stimulant Use Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQcX0aXU_MQ
Problem with stimulants: -Unfair advantage compared to normal students and students who actually need the medication -Students with prescriptions are feeling pressured to sell -Highly illegal to sell and possess without a prescription -Snort 3 or more similar feeling to cocaine
Who is using pills: Men more so than women Gender gap closing Greek system Caucasian More likely to use other substances Risky behavior Lower GPA
How pills are being obtained: • Over prescription • Fraudulent prescriptions • Stealing • Social influences: • Peer pressure- to sell and take • Peer comfort • Idea of safety
How Pills Are Being Taken: Methods of taking pills: -Swallowing, snorting, injecting, smoking Poly drug use: -Mixing with other pills, alcohol or drugs Pharming: -Candy grabbing
Dangers and Consequences Mixing with alcohol: Minor: nausea, vomiting, fainting drowsiness Major: internal bleeding, heart problems, liver failure and difficulties breathing Mixing with other pills Overdoses
What is being done: • Manufacturing of pills • Prescription drug monitoring programs (PMP)- databases, 36 states • College awareness and prevention programs
Conclusion-Big problem with little recognition on campuses thus far-Affects are widespread and it truly affects us all-Call to action