Dangers of Drug Abuse and Misuse

Not What the Doctor Ordered Street, Prescription, and OTC Drugs

Objectives Discuss the addictive and harmful effects of over- the-counter, prescription, and street drug abuse Differentiate the appropriate use and abuse of prescription and over-the-counter drugs Discuss the physical, psychological, social, and emotional consequences of abusing drugs Identify healthy alternatives to substance use

OTC & Prescription Drugs Prescription Prescription medications are drugs with legitimate uses in medical treatment and are only available with a doctor s prescription. OTC Over-the-counter drugs are sold without a doctor s prescription. Typically, these drugs are less potent or lower dosage versions of prescription drugs.

What do you think of when you hear the term street drugs ?

They are called street drugs because they are not made in a licensed laboratory; they do not have any recognized medical use; and they are illegal to possess, distribute, and use. Street drugs include substances like cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine.

Read the following statements and decide whether you think that statement is true or false. 1. It is illegal to use street drugs, but it is not illegal to share prescription medicines with someone. You decide. Some over-the-counter medications are addictive. You decide. Prescription drugs are safer to abuse than street drugs like heroin or cocaine because they are prescribed by a doctor. You decide. The abuse of prescription drug and some OTC medication can have effects like that of street drugs. You decide. It is not possible to overdose from the abuse of prescription or over-the-counter drugs. You decide. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Read the following statements and decide whether you think that statement is true or false. 1. False. Taking a pill prescribed to someone else or giving a pill to another person can be harmful. Prescription drugs are considered controlled substances, and the only safe and legal way to use them is with a doctor s prescription. True. Although OTC medications are less potent than prescription drugs, many of these drugs pose a risk for addiction if abused. False. Access to prescription drugs is regulated by the government through the Controlled Substance Act, and labels and instructions are provided for safe use because these drugs are as powerful as street drugs and can be just as harmful when misused. True. Abusing prescription drugs and OTC drugs can have serious effects on the body. Again, the prescription drugs are powerful and act on the same brain sites as street drugs. False. Overdose is not exclusive to street drugs. An overdose can occur when a person takes an excessive amount of any drug. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Open workbooks to pg. 22 & 23 Understanding the Effects Most teens agree that using an illegal street drug is an unreasonable and unhealthy risk. Why do you think some teens think abusing prescription or OTC medications would be a safe way to get high? While prescription and OTC drugs have legitimate uses in medical treatment, the abuse of these substances present similar health risks to those of street drugs. Look at pg. 22 and review each drug s harmful effects. Then look at pg. 23 and complete the web diagram using the harmful effects listed. 8

In the last several lessons we discussed the harmful effects of substance use. Most teens choose to be drug-free and never experiment with drugs. Why do you think the few teens that use made the decision to try them? On page 23 several of those reasons are listed under That s Life Most teens face these challenges at some point. Do you think there are healthier ways to handle these challenges than turning to drugs?

fatal The effects of using street drugs and the abuse of prescription and OTC drugs are harmful and can be fatal. As teens, you will face many challenges, but it is up to you to choose healthy ways to manage them.

Please complete the Kahoot! When finished with all 10 lessons.