The Parents Back to School Kit Part 2 Kids and the misuse of Medications

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1 The Parents Back to School Kit Part 2 Kids and the misuse of Medications Prescription drugs and over the counter medications are the third most commonly misused substances (after alcohol and cannabis) by teens 14 and older. 1 1

2 The Issue: It is estimated that approximately 375,000 Canadian students have taken prescription drugs not prescribed to them. 2 Why: Teens misuse prescription drugs for a number of reasons, including: to get high, because they think they ll have more fun, lose weight, stop pain, feel less anxious or because they think it will help them with schoolwork. Many young people have the mistaken belief that prescription drugs are safer to consume than illicit drugs and for many pre-teens and teens, prescription medications can be very easy to obtain. 2

3 Where: Many teens get the medications they misuse from their own medicine cabinet at home, without anyone else in the family knowing. 48% of Canadian households contain medication that can be abused, only 11% of those keep medications in a secure place. 3 Learn how to secure your meds Sometimes friends or acquaintances offer pills that have been bought on the street and may have been made in clandestine labs. Why you need to have the conversation: Prescription drugs taken non-medically have the potential to do serious harm. 3

4 What can you do as a parent? Know which medications are most at risk. Being familiar with the types of medications that may be more popular with teens will help you identify which prescriptions are a potential risk. See below for details of the most commonly abused medications. If you are concerned that your child may be misusing prescription meds - whether or not he or she has their own prescription - Take action sooner rather than later. o If your child has their own prescription, speak with their doctor and determine if there are any other treatment options. o If someone else in the family has an ongoing prescription, make sure the medications are well secured by locking them up. o If you have any unused or expired medications take them back to the pharmacy to dispose of them safely. Before you or your teen take any prescription or OTC medication, carefully read the label or consult with your family physician or local pharmacist. Never mix medications with alcohol. Footnotes 1.CAMH 2017 OSDUHS 2. DFK estimate based on CAMH 2017 OSDUHS 3. DFK Tracking Survey

5 Opioid Painkillers Slang or Street Names: Happy pills, Oxies, OC, oxycotton, 80s, Percs, vikes, and Vikings Opioids are drugs that contain opium or are derived from and imitate opium. They are prescribed for pain relief and are only available by prescription. Most prescriptions are non-refillable and, when used properly under a doctor s supervision, are safe and effective. Painkillers should never be used with alcohol, antihistamines, barbiturates, or benzodiazepines. Since these substances slow down breathing, their combined effects could lead to life-threatening respiratory depression. Problematic use of prescription opioid painkillers can be just as dangerous, addictive and deadly as using illicit heroin. Learn more about prescrip0on drugs that may be abused 5

6 The Fentanyl Danger Fentanyl is a highly potent prescription painkiller (40 times more powerful than Heroin and 50 to 100 times potent than morphine) that is linked to an increasing number of deaths in this country. Many of the overdoses reported in the media are linked to pharmaceutical-grade fentanyl that is diverted onto the streets and consumed unknowingly by those with substance use disorders and young recreational users alike. However, illicit fentanyl manufactured and produced in clandestine labs with no control over their potency is also responsible for causing many overdose deaths. Knowing the physical signs of Fentanyl overdose can safe a life. Signs of overdose include pinpoint pupils, cold and clammy skin, confusion, convulsions, severe drowsiness, unconsciousness and slow or troubled breathing. If you see your teen or anyone else in this state, call 911 immediately. 6

7 Stimulants Slang or Street Names: Ritz, rippers, Dexies, Bennies, Black Beauties, Hearts, Roses, Skippy, The Smart Drug, Speed, Vitamin R, Uppers Stimulants increase alertness, attention, and energy, as well as elevate blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration. The category includes commonly used substances such as caffeine and nicotine, over-the-counter decongestants, (e.g., pseudoephedrines like Sudafed TM) as well as prescription medications. The most common use of prescription stimulants is to treat individuals diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Stimulants are also prescribed by doctors to treat conditions such as asthma, respiratory problems, obesity, and the treatment of narcolepsy and other sleep disorders. Many teens misuse these prescribed medications to help them cram for exams or suppress their appetite. Taking high doses may result in dangerously high body temperatures and an irregular heartbeat, with a potential risk of a heart attack or lethal seizure. 7

8 Sedatives Slang or Street Names: Downers, Benzos, xanies, xani-bars, xani-bombs, Yellow Jackets, Yellows, and Zombie Pills and roofies Prescription sedatives are central nervous system (CNS) depressants, meaning that they depress or slow down the body s functions. These medications are mainly used to relieve anxiety and assist with sleep problems. Other medical uses include inducing sedation for surgical and other medical procedures, treatment of alcohol withdrawal, seizure control and relaxation of skeletal muscles. While different sedatives work in unique ways, they produce a drowsy or calming effect that can help those suffering from anxiety, panic attacks and sleep disorders. Because they can produce a state of intoxication, they have a high potential for abuse. Combining prescription sedatives and/or tranquilizers with alcohol can slow both the heart and respiration and possibly lead to death. 8

9 Over the Counter Medications Many of OTC drugs that are intended to treat headaches, sinus pressure, or cold/flu symptoms contain the active ingredient dextromethorphan (DXM). Teens sometimes mix these drugs with prescription drugs, street drugs, alcohol, soda and juice, using the Internet to find information and videos on what drugs to try and mix together. When taken in high doses, DXM can produce a "high" feeling and can be extremely dangerous in excessive amounts. Learn more about over the counter drugs that may be abused One great way to keep any expired or unused medications out of the wrong hands Take them back to the pharmacy for safe disposal! 9