- Home
- Government
- Health and Environment
- Health Department
- Health Education Program
- Prescription Drug Information
Prescription Drug (Rx) Information
What is Rx Drug Abuse?
The misuse of prescription drugs means taking a medication in a manner or dose other than prescribed; taking someone else’s prescription, even if for a legitimate medical complaint such as pain; or taking a medication to feel euphoria (i.e., to get high). National Institute of Drug Abuse
The most common Rx drugs that are misused or abused are:
- Opioids—usually prescribed to treat pain
- Central nervous system [CNS] depressants (this category includes tranquilizers, sedatives, and hypnotics)—used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders
- Stimulants—most often prescribed to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) @(Model.BulletStyle == CivicPlus.Entities.Modules.Layout.Enums.BulletStyle.Decimal ? "ol" : "ul")>
Anyone who takes prescription opioids can become addicted to them. In fact, as many as one in four patients receiving long-term opioid therapy in a primary care setting struggles with opioid addiction. (CDC)
Indiana Data
Every two and a half hours, someone in Indiana is sent to the hospital for an opioid overdose.
- In Indiana, there are enough bottles of painkillers in circulation for nearly every Hoosier to have their own.
- Indiana is one of four states where the fatal drug overdose rate has quadrupled since 1999.
- Because of this rise, Hoosiers are now more likely to die from a drug overdose than a car accident.
- Source: Indina University @(Model.BulletStyle == CivicPlus.Entities.Modules.Layout.Enums.BulletStyle.Decimal ? "ol" : "ul")>
Why Some People Abuse Rx Drugs?
RX Drug abuse is a mental health issue. The person who is abusing the RX drugs, need treatment to deal with the mental health issue.
- • To feel good or get high.
- To relax or relieve tension
- To reduce appetite or increase alertness
- To experiment with the mental effects of the substance
- To maintain an addiction and prevent withdrawl
- To be accepted by peers (peer pressure) or to be social
- To try to improve concentration and academic or work performance
- Past or present addictions to other substances, including alcohol
- Certain pre-existing mental health conditions
- Exposure to peer pressure or social environment where there's drug use
- Easier access to prescription drugs
- Lack of Knowledge about prescription drugs @(Model.BulletStyle == CivicPlus.Entities.Modules.Layout.Enums.BulletStyle.Decimal ? "ol" : "ul")>
Who is at risk for abusing Rx drugs?
- Teenagers
- Woman
- Senior Age population
- Obtaining overlapping prescriptions for multiple providers
- Taking high daily dosages of prescription pain relievers @(Model.BulletStyle == CivicPlus.Entities.Modules.Layout.Enums.BulletStyle.Decimal ? "ol" : "ul")>
What are the signs and symptoms of Rx abuse?
Signs is what you see, symptoms are what you feel
- Confusion, Dizziness, Poor Coordination, Agitation, Doziness, Nausea, Slurred Speech, Insomnia
- Drowsiness, Slow Breathing, Slow Heart rate, Anxiety, Paranoid @(Model.BulletStyle == CivicPlus.Entities.Modules.Layout.Enums.BulletStyle.Decimal ? "ol" : "ul")>
Resources In or Close To Hamilton County:
▪ Aspire:
- 24 Hour Crisis Service 1-800-560-4038
- Aspireindiana.org
▪ Connect2HELP2-1-1:
- Call 2-1-1 or 317-926-4357 (Non Crisis Number)
- Connect2help211.org
▪ Community Hospital North, Behavior Health
- 24 Hour Crisis Service 1-800-662-3445 or 317-621-5700
- Ecommunity.com
▪ Fairbanks Hospital
- 317-849-8222 (Non Crisis Number)
- Faribankscd.org
▪ St. Vincent Stress Center
- 24 Hour Crisis Service 317-338-4800
- Stvincent.org