Presenters
Ashlee Randklev
Brendan O’Gorman
Goals and Obectives
• Increase awareness and move
communities to act.
• Educate and encourage family
members, friends, and youth to discuss
this issue.
• Educate the public on proper storage
and disposal of medications.
• Discourage the abuse of potentially
harmful prescription drugs.
America’s Biggest Drug Problem
Isn’t on the Streets…
…it’s in our
medicine
cabinets.
Statistics and Trends
Prescription for Danger
In 2007, nearly 7 million people abused prescription medications. This
exceeds ALL street drugs combined with the exception of marijuana.
There are just as many new abusers of Rx
drugs as there are for marijuana.
North Dakota Statistics
• In 2007, 22,000 North Dakota residents 12
years old and older have in the past year
used a non-medical pain reliever
• 6% of all the users are in the 18-25 year
old group
•
http://www.oas.samhsa.gov/2k7State/NorthDakota.htm
2002-2003: Minnesota Drug Abuse Statistics
• Over 115,000 people in Minnesota are
under the influence of drugs.
• 47,000 are above 26 years of age.
• 43,000 are between 18 and 25 years
• Over 26,000 of the addicts are between 12
and 17 years
• 2,019 Minnesota teens died last year
due to a prescription drug overdose
http://www.awarerx.org/main.php
Behaviors
Behaviors considered to be
prescription drug abuse
1. Taking a prescription drug that
was not prescribed for you.
2. Taking more of a prescription
drug than prescribed.
3. Taking a prescription drug for
any reason other than
prescribed.
Prescription Medication Abuse: On the Rise
• Between 6 and 7 million Americans have abused
prescription medications in
the past month.
• Everyday, approximately 2,700 young
people between 12 and 17 years of age abuse a
prescription painkiller for the first time.
• Four out of the top five drugs abused by
12th graders are prescription medications.
Statistics and Trends
Prescription for Danger
Top five drugs used by
12th graders in the
past year
Marijuana remains
the only “street”
drug of which use
exceeds that of Rx
drugs.
Frequently Abused Prescription
Medications
Painkillers
OxyContin®, Vicodin®
Sedatives & tranquilizers
Valium®, Xanax®
Stimulants
Adderall®, Ritalin®
National Youth Risk Behavior Survey
• Prescription drug abuse was most common
among white students, at 23%, followed by
Hispanics at 17% and African-Americans at
12%.
• Prescription drug abuse was most common
among seniors (26%) and least common
among freshmen (15%).
• There was no difference in prescription drug
abuse by sex -- 20% for both male and female
students.
http://www.webmd.com/parenting/news/20100603/survey-reveals-rx-drug-abuse-by-teens
Why Do Teens Abuse Prescription Drugs?
1.To relieve pain
2.To get high
3.To improve grades
4.To “fit in”
What Do Teens Think?
1. “Rx drugs can’t be
dangerous.”
2. “Rx drugs can’t be
addictive.”
3. “It’s legal.”
Why Are Prescription Drugs So Dangerous?
• Taken without a doctor’s supervision
can be just as dangerous as taking
illicit drugs or alcohol
• Many pills look the same and
teenagers may get them mixed up.
• Mixing drugs with other substances is
very dangerous.
Prescription for Danger
• In terms of abuse, prescription drugs are not
safe alternatives to street drugs.
• Addiction can occur just as easily with
prescription drugs as it does with street
drugs.
• Possessing a Rx drug without a prescription
is illegal and considered a felony offense
What Can We Do?
• Store prescription drugs in locked
and secure locations.
• Dispose of prescription drugs
properly.
• Talk with your kids, grandkids,
nieces, nephews and neighbors.
• Tell a friend about the dangers of
prescription drug abuse.
• Present information to a rotary,
PTA, faith-based organization.
Recognizing Signs of Abuse
•
•
•
•
•
Neglecting responsibilities
Disorderly conduct
Relationship issues with family & friends
Restlessness, insomnia, anxiety
Abandonment of hobbies, sports, and
activities of previous enjoyment.
• Mood swings, depression, paranoia
ND Prescription Take Back Program
•
Benson County SO
Bismarck PD
Bottineau County
SO
Bowman County
SO
Carrington PD
Dickinson PD
Fargo PD
Grand Forks PD
Harvey PD
Jamestown PD
Minot PD
Morton
SO/Mandan PD
Mountrail
SO/Stanley PD
Ramsey County SO
Richland County SO Rugby PD
Trail County SO
Valley City PD
Wahpeton PD
Walsh County SO
West Fargo PD
Williams
SO/Williston PD
Foster County SO
Golden Valley
County SO
Wells County SO
Talking Points for Teenagers:
• Do not glamorize prescription drug
abuse.
• Use of non medication ways to reduce
stress.
– Exercise
– Eating Healthy
– Massage
– Yoga
Generation Rx – Keep Your Family Safe
Where Can I Learn More?
National Council on Patient Information and Education (www.talkaboutrx.org)
National Institute on Drug Abuse (www.nida.nih.gov)
Office of National Drug Control Policy (www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov)
Parents.The Anti-Drug (www.theantidrug.com)
Partnership for a Drug-Free America (www.drugfree.org)
Stop Medicine Abuse (www.stopmedicineabuse.org/) created by the
Consumer Healthcare Products Association
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
(www.samhsa.gov)
The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy Generation Rx Initiative
(www.pharmacy.ohio-state.edu/outreach/generation-rx)
Developed by
The Ohio State University
College of Pharmacy
This program is made possible
with a grant from the
Cardinal Health Foundation
Feel Free to contact us with any questions!
Tegan.Buckley@ndsu.edu
Ashlee.Randklev@ndsu.edu
Brendan.Ogorman@ndsu.edu