The dangers of prescription drugs are widely misunderstood mainly because they prescribed by a doctor which gives them a veil of safety and security. Misused and abused, prescription drugs are as dangerous as illegal narcotics. Here we provide information and reference materials to educate and create awareness of the dangers of prescription drug abuse and misuse.
National Coalition Against Prescription Drug AbusePosted on by Callie Cranfill
Stimulants Commonly prescribed stimulants: Adderall, Dexedrine, Ritalin. What are prescription stimulants? Prescription stimulants are medications which target the central nervous system and accelerate brain activity. They are typically used to increase energy and attention but also affect blood pressure, heart rate, and other bodily functions. What do they look like? Tablets and capsules. How are they used? For people with ADHD or narcolepsy, stimulants can help boost energy, attention, and alertness. They are also prescribed for asthma, obesity, and low blood pressure resulting from anesthesia. What are their short-term effects? Stimulants increase heart rate and blood pressure, open up breathing …Continue reading →
National Coalition Against Prescription Drug AbusePosted on by Callie Cranfill
Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants Commonly prescribed CNS depressants: Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium), non-benzodiazepine sleep medications (Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata), barbiturates (Mebaral, Luminol Sodium, Nembutal). What are CNS depressants? CNS depressants, sometimes referred to as sedatives and tranquilizers, are substances that can slow brain activity. This property makes them useful for treating anxiety and sleep disorders. (NIDA) What do they look like? Multi-colored tablets and capsules; some can be in liquid form. How are they used? CNS depressants are mainly used to treat sleep and anxiety disorders. They can also be used for alcohol withdrawal, seizures, as a muscle relaxant, or to …Continue reading →
National Coalition Against Prescription Drug AbusePosted on by Callie Cranfill
Pain Relievers (Opioids) Commonly prescribed opioids: Codeine, OxyContin, Percocet, and Vicodin. What are prescription opioids? Prescription opioids are pain relievers. These medications also affect areas of the brain that control emotion, which can cause feelings of euphoria. (NIDA) What form do they come in? Tablets, capsules, transdermal patches. How are prescription opioids used? When taken as prescribed, opioids are safe and effective. They can treat moderate to severe pain and are most often needed after surgery, injury, or for conditions such as cancer. (CDC) Misuse of prescription opioids can be extremely dangerous. Misuse includes taking medication in any way other …Continue reading →
National Coalition Against Prescription Drug AbusePosted on by Hayley Lane
Kids Medicine Safety In the U.S., the number of prescription and OTC medicines in households continues to rise each year, which means that there is a greater chance of kids living in homes where they may be exposed to medicines. Every parent knows it’s important to store medicine up and away from children. So why is it that every year, nearly 47,000 children are treated in an emergency room for accidental medicine poisoning? We’ve seen a decrease in the number of hospitalizations and deaths of young children because of medicine-related poisoning thanks to medicine safety awareness and education. However, this …Continue reading →
National Coalition Against Prescription Drug AbusePosted on by April Rovero
Educational Videos Creating spaces for education, dialogue, and action is a vital part of our mission. The National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse hosts in-person and virtual events, presentations, and workshops that bring people together to educate, discuss challenges, and develop solutions to prevent substance use disorder and fatal overdoses. Here, you can access past presentations and workshops as well as educational video series created by our team. Art for Action Series From April 26th through May 1st, 2021, NCAPDA hosted Art 4 Action Week, a week of unique virtual workshops and presentations dedicated to showing how everyone can use different …Continue reading →
National Coalition Against Prescription Drug AbusePosted on by Hank Moreira
We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2016 “My Natural High” poster contest. Jump to: Lamorinda Contest Surry County – Middle School Surry Country – High School Lamorinda Contest 1st Place: Siena Kuan, 12th Grade, Acalanes High School, Lafayette, CA “Natural High” is exactly what it sounds like. To experience or do something that makes you feel as if you are high. But, the benefits of a natural high greatly our weighs the benefits, if any, of getting high through drug use. My “Natural High” is art, the act of being creative and creating something new. This helps …Continue reading →
National Coalition Against Prescription Drug AbusePosted on by Hank Moreira
Highlights Subject: “My Natural High” – What Keeps You Substance Free? NCAPDA is holding three separate poster contests in 2016 in partnership with organizations we frequently work with. Participating Sponsors: Acalanes Wellness Committee Lamorinda Alcohol Policy Coalition National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse Qualifications: All public, private and home schooled students in grades 6-12 who live in the following areas: Contest #1: Contra Costa County, CA Contest #2: Lamorinda, CA (Lafayette, Moraga & Orinda) Contest #3: Surry County, NC Note: Larmorinda students are only eligible to participate in Contest #2. Prize Awards: All contest participants will receive an invitation to …Continue reading →
National Coalition Against Prescription Drug AbusePosted on by Hank Moreira
Students Education is a powerful tool to avoid getting caught up in using harmful substances, including prescription drugs. In this page, you can find information to protect yourself and your friends from possible prescription drug-related substance use disorder and overdose death. Protect Yourself and Your Friends! Don’t assume that prescription drugs aren’t as dangerous as illegal drugs – they are! Taking a friend’s ADHD medication like Adderall or Ritalin can cause serious health issues, including a heart attack. Avoid drug reactions and overdose – take medications exactly as instructed. Seek help from a trusted adult if you’re concerned about a friend’s abuse of prescription …Continue reading →