National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The “Opioid Overdose” page of the CDC’s website provides an overview of the prescription drug abuse epidemic throughout the U.S. as well as data and resource information, including the CDC’s Guidelines for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain. This site also includes a publication resource center with downloadable CDC educational materials. 

Get Smart About Drugs- A DEA Resource for Parents, Educators & Caregivers (DEA)

Drugs of Abuse delivers clear, scientific information about drugs in a factual, straightforward way. With the information in this guide, parents and caregivers can help their children make smart choices and avoid the consequences of drug abuse. This publication covers topics including the Controlled Substances Act and introduces drug classes including narcotics, stimulants, marijuana/cannabis, inhalants, steroids, and more. 

United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

Among administrative information related to obtaining or renewing DEA Registrations, this site provides the latest law enforcement activity around the illegal diversion of prescription drugs, including arrests and prosecution information related to medical professionals. There is also a new Rx Abuse Online Reporting form where visitors can notify the DEA of suspected doctor shoppers, employee drug dealing and theft, suspicious doctors and pharmacies, and other prescription drug-related diversion.

Benzodiazepine Information Coalition

The Benzodiazepine Information Coalition is a group of patients and professionals who seek to fill the information vacuum that fuels benzodiazepine dependence. Their advocacy efforts focus on breaking the stigma surrounding benzodiazepine dependence, raising awareness about the potential risks of benzodiazepines, facilitating research and access to evidence-based medical care for those impacted by benzodiazepine-induced disability. Their website includes prescribing guidelines, information about the potential risks and post-cessation dangers, and withdrawal management. 

Benzodiazepines: How They Work and How to Withdraw (aka “The Ashton Manual”)

This manual, written by Dr. Heather Ashton, contains information about benzodiazepines’ effects on the brain and body and how these actions are exerted. The manual includes detailed suggestions on withdrawing after long-term use and individual tapering schedules for different benzodiazepines. Withdrawal symptoms, acute and protracted, are described along with an explanation of why they may occur and how to cope with them. 

Community Prevention Initiative (CPI)

CPI is funded through the California Department of Health Care Services, Substance Use Disorder Prevention, Treatment & Recovery Services Division (DHCS) with training and technical assistance (TTA) administered through the Center for Applied Research Solutions (CARS). The TTA project aims to serve California agencies and organizations involved in community-based prevention. CPI can provide no-cost TTA support for planning and prevention services that include a broad community perspective.

National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE)

NCPIE provides multiple prescription drug-related educational resources and programs for adults, teens, college students, and those working to prevent prescription drug abuse in their communities. Their website has a guide to help young people in recovery talk to their friends and others about prevention, treatment, referral for mental and substance use disorders, and recovery.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

NIDA provides comprehensive information about drug abuse, emerging trends, prevention strategies, adolescent brain cognitive development, the neuroscience of addiction, and the latest science related to substance abuse treatment. It also includes a resource center where visitors may order and print educational materials. 

Parent Giving- Dependency and Addiction Among Seniors

This page from Parent Giving provides information about the prevalence of prescription drug dependence and misuse among elderly adults. It also provides links to additional resources to prevent prescription drug misuse, identify prescription dependency signs, and manage pain safely. 

Twelve Talks to Have With Teens

Talking about sensitive issues with teens is challenging, but it is also the best way to keep them safe. Twelve Talks offers parents guidelines on broaching the discussion on medication misuse, conversation starters, and safety tips. They also have guides on other topics, including mental health, alcohol use, and boundaries. 

NIDA for Teens 

This site offers students a range of educational experiences as they learn facts about drugs and neuroscience and supports educators and parents to facilitate student learning. It also includes advice on how teens can help themselves, a friend, parent, or other adults who have a substance problem.

Teens Health 

Teens Healthis is a private place for teens who need honest, accurate information and advice about health, emotions, and life. This resource is accessible all 24 hours for teens to get doctor-approved information they need to make educated decisions — or help a friend who needs advice. There’s a lot of confusing, misleading, and just plain wrong health information on the Web. Their mission is to tell it to you straight.

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