Cindy is a 21 year old female…

Was voted “Most Likely to Succeed”

Attending college with a full scholarship.

Is maintaining a 4.0 GPA

Class President in high school.

This is real.

This is killing.

Prescription Drug Abuse

Modern Epidemic

Gordon McKennerney

Opiates

Benzodiazepines

Amphetamines

Prescription Drug Types

BenzodiazepinesPrescribed for Anxiety, Panic Attacks, and Sleep

Disorders, Seizure Disorders.Effects: Slows Normal Brain Function to Produce a

Drowsy or Calming Effect.All benzodiazepines cause physical dependence.

Suddenly stopping after a few months of daily use may be associated with withdrawal symptoms which include a feeling of loss of self-worth, agitation, insomnia, and seizures.

AmphetaminesPrescribed for appetite control in weight loss

programs, narcolepsy, and hyperactivity disorders. Effects: Exhilarating feelings of power, strength,

energy, self-assertion, focus and enhanced motivation.

Withdrawal: The euphoria doesn't last. There follows an intense mental depression and fatigue. Amphetamine depletes the neuronal stores of dopamine pleasure centers of the brain.

OpioidsPrescribed for Pain.Side Effects: Nausea, Vomiting, Constipation, Slowed

Breathing.Temporary side effects are euphoria and reduced

anxiety.The brain and body quickly adapt. More drug is

needed.Withdrawal: Severe pain, general weakness, diarrhea,

and depression.

Some Hard Facts…In 2009, over 63,000 died from drug overdose.According to the CDC, this is more than the total

killed by car crashes. …this is more overdose deaths (45%) than deaths

from cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine combined.

All three of the addictive drug types cause Physical Dependence and Tolerance…

What is Tolerance and Physical Dependence?When a drug is taken, it causes a chemical imbalance. The body quickly adapts to any changes in the

environment, as well as from changes within the body to maintain balance.

After a short period, a physical dependence develops. The absence of the drug causes withdrawal symptoms

The drug soon loses its ability to get the user high. The user develops a tolerance. More of the drug is needed to produce the same effect.

The “Balance Sheet” of Drug Abuse

Normal

Time

“High”

Depressed

MoodSoon the drug is needed just to feel “normal”

The body quickly adapts to the presence of the drug. The user must continue taking the drug to prevent withdrawal.

First Use

-Thank you for listening.

Cindy passed away from an accidental overdose of benzodiazepines and alcohol.

Prescription Drug AbuseModern Epidemic

-Gordon McKennerney