National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse

Here are the results of our "My Natural High" poster contest. Congratulations to the winners and all of those who entered the contest.

Grades 6-8	Grades 9-12
1st Place Josie Serpan & Nataleigh Denning Grade 7 Los Cerros Middle School Danville, CA	1st Place Kristine Craig - Grade 12 California High School San Ramon, CA
2nd Place Sydney Beacham, Mallory Wilmoth, Madison Robertson, Ally Pratt, Katelyn Jones Grade 8 Central Middle School Dobson, NC	2nd Place Vania Chan - Grade 11 Dougherty Valley High School San Ramon, CA
3rd Place Brandon Casstevens - Grade 7 J. Sam Gentry Middle School  Mount Airy, NC	3rd Place Joy Ofodu - Grade 10 Dougherty Valley High School San Ramon, CA

Description

All drugs have the potential to be misused, whether legally prescribed by a doctor, purchased over-the-counter at the local drug store, or bought illegally on the street. Taken in combination with other drugs or with alcohol, even drugs normally considered safe can cause death or serious long term consequences. Children are particularly at risk for accidental overdose, accounting for over one million poisonings each year from drugs, alcohol, and other chemicals and toxic substances. People who suffer from depression and who have suicidal thoughts are also at high risk for drug overdose.

Prescription Drugs should only be taken when prescribed for legitimate health issues, and never taken recreationally. Following are ways you can keep yourself and your friends safe:

• Don't assume that prescription drugs aren't as dangerous as illegal drugs - they are!

• You (and your parents) should read the information that comes with the prescription and that is written on the container and take them only according to these instructions. That includes the dosage prescribed and the length of time.

• Understand that one prescription pill or the wrong mixture of medications (even over-the counter) can be deadly, especially when combined with alcohol.  

• Don't be tempted to take a friend's Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) medicine to study or stay awake.  An overdose of these medications can cause anxiety, panic, tremors, irregular heartbeat, dangerously high body temperatures, and even a heart attack.

• Form friendships with people who aren't using prescription drugs so you aren't pressured or tempted to take them yourself.

• Avoid parties or other social situations where drugs will be included.  Don't let yourself get caught up in Pharm and Skittles parties - they are EXTREMELY dangerous!

• Know the signs of prescription drug overdose If you find yourself in a situation where a friend has taken prescription drugs, with or without alcohol, watch over them closely until you know for sure they are OK. Get emergency help immediately if there's ANY sign they're in trouble. REMEMBER: Real Friends Don't Let Friends Die!

• If you're concerned that a friend may be becoming addicted, encourage them to talk to a parent or other trusted adult. If that fails, don't be afraid to seek an adult's help yourself. It's better for you to have them be mad at you than to have them die or become addicted because you didn't come to their rescue.

• Check out the NIDA for Teens website, where there's a wealth of information about the dangers of prescription drugs.

• Call this ANONYMOUS  Lifeline if you're concerned about a friend or family member. They can help with many problems, including those related to drug use:
  National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK)