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NEW: Teen postcard addresses epidemic of prescription painkiller abuse.
Click here to download or print the teen card.
Click here to link to our store and purchase the teen card.
Did you know that in 2010, nearly 30% of calls to Carolinas Poison Center about intentional misuse or abuse of drugs involved teens 13-19? Today, over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drug abuse is becoming more of a problem than street drug use. Many teens do not see the misuse of OTC and prescription drugs as a threat to their health.
 According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy:
- • Four out of 10 teens think that presciption medicines are safer to abuse than illicit drugs.
- • Nearly 1/3 of teens believe there's nothing wrong with using prescription medicines without a prescription once in a while.
- • Nearly three out of 10 teens believe prescription painkillers aren't addictive.
The most commonly abused prescription drugs include:
|
Type of Drug
|
Prescribed to... |
Also Known As... |
Brand Names |
Generic Names
|
| Painkillers |
prescribed to relieve pain |
opioids, narcotics, prescription pain relievers |
OxyContin
Percocet
Vicodin
|
oxycodone
hydrocodone |
| Depressants |
slow normal brain function |
sedatives, tranquilizers, barbiturates |
Valium Xanax
|
diazepam
alprazolam |
|
Stimulants
|
increase alertness, attention, and energy
|
amphetamines |
Ritalin
Adderall
Concerta
|
methylphenidate
amphetamine salts
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Several factors contribute to the danger of abusing OTC and prescription drugs. The amount of a substance taken can determine if it becomes toxic. This means products like OTC and prescription drugs can be harmful, even deadly, if they are used in the wrong amount or wrong way. Prescription drug misuse or abuse can cause:
- trouble breathing
- seizures
- passing out
- addiction
- coma
- death
Plus, if you are taking other medicines or abusing other substances, there can be a dangerous or deadly interaction.
Click on this link to hear real stories about drug abuse, to learn facts about getting high, and to play interactive games. http://teens.drugabuse.gov/index.php
You can also link to our Substances of Abuse page.
Click here to link to information about teens and inhalants.
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