THE KILLER AMONGST US...
A cruel killer exists amongst us and despite law enforcement's best intentions and efforts; the death toll from this foe rises daily. The mortality statistics attributed to this killer are both appalling and heartrending with approximately 24,000 yearly fatalities nationwide (CDC, 2008).
The victims come from all walks and various backgrounds. The dead range in ages from 1 - 82 years, with middle age men far and away the most common target. Evidence at casualty scenes confirms that most of the victims went to their demise quietly; their lives snuffed out without struggle, outcry or resistance. (Read more of this article click here.)
"DRUG OVERDOSE IS A SOUNDLESS, RELENTLESS AND UNPRETENTIOUS KILLER..."
- There are approximately 24,000 annual fatal unintentional drug poisonings in the United States.
(Sources: William J. Bennett, first U.S. Drug Czar; former Secretary of Education. Janet Froetscher, President and CEO, National Safety Council, Itasca, Ill. national Safety Council Congress and Expo, Anaheim, Ca. Sept. 019-26, 2008.)
- Drug overdose deaths are second only to car crashes for unintentional injury deaths.
(Source: CDC, 2008)
- Deaths are largely due to misuse and abuse of prescription drugs. Majority of deaths more than one drug is found.
(Source: Leonard J. Paulozzi, M.D., M.P.H., Medical Epidemiologist National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- 1.5 million Hospital Emergency Room Visits are attributed to drug misuse or overdose.
(Source: Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN), 2006 National ED Estimates)
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WHAT IS A DRUG OVERDOSE?
A drug overdose is the accidental or intentional use of a drug in an amount that is higher than is normally used. A drug overdose does not have to be of the same drug, it can also occur when one drug interacts with another.
SIGNS OF OVERDOSE
- Seizures, body tremors
- Dilated pupils
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Cold, clammy skin
- Slow breathing, loud snoring sound
- Respiratory arrest, not breathing
- Very fast, slow or absent pulse
- Unconsciousness
DON'T THINK YOU CAN LET SOMEONE "SLEEP IT OFF".
Respiratory depression from a Central Nervous System Depressant and Pain Reliever Overdose can cause brain damage or death if not treated promptly by a medical professional.
IF YOU SEE ANY OF THE SYMPTOMS LISTED ABOVE SEEK EMERGENCY MEDICAL TREATMENT IMMEDIATELY! DIAL 911 AND CONTACT A FAMILY MEMBER OF THE PERSON IN DISTRESS.
DO
- Tell medical professionals everything that the victim consumed or may have consumed.
- Follow the directions of the "911" operator
- Stay with the victim until help arrives.
- Choose life first, all other considerations must come second
DO NOT
- Allow the victim to "sleep it off".
- Put the victim in a bath or shower.
- Inject the victim with anything.
- Leave the victim alone.
- Treat the victim with home remedies that do not work and often postpone potentially life-saving medical treatment.
- Postpone calling "911" while cleaning up.
- Suffer a lifetime of regret for making the wrong choice.
(Source: Overdose Risk Profile, Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office)
Overdose Risk Profile
PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE ALERT!
If you find evidence of your child using cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, ecstasy or any prescription or over the counter medications, consider this discovery an emergency situation! Your child needs a professionally administered substance abuse assessment.
WHAT IS PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE?
Prescription Drug Abuse is the use of prescription medication to create an altered state, to get high, or for reasons-or by people-other than those intended by the prescribing physician.
ALARMING STATISTICS
- Every day 2,500 teens in the United States try prescription drugs to get high for the first time.
(Source: Partnership for a Drug Free America)
- 60% of teens who have abused prescription painkillers did so before age 15.
(Source: Partnership for a Drug Free America)
- 45% of those who use prior to the age of 15 will later develop an addiction.
(Source: Misuse of Prescription Drugs. national Surveys on Drug Use and Health, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 2006)
- More than 29 percent of teens in treatment are dependent on tranquilizers, sedatives, amphetamines, and other stimulants (all types of prescription drugs).
(Source: SAMHSA: substance Abuse Treatment Admissions by primary substance of abuse according to sex, age group, race, and ethnicity: Treatment Episode Data set 2004)
- 12 to 17 year olds abuse prescription drugs more than they abuse ecstasy, crack/cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine combined.
(Source: Partnership for a Drug Free America)
- There are as many new abusers age 12 to 17 of prescription drugs as there are of marijuana
(Source: Partnership for a Drug Free America)
- Nearly half (49%) of all college students either binge drink, use illicit drugs or misuse prescription drugs.
(Source: Center for Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University)
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THE RISKS
Taking Prescription Medications to get high can be as dangerous and addictive as using illicit drugs. Combining prescription drugs with other prescription medicines or over the counter medications and/or alcohol increases the effects of each drug and the risk of overdose.
Narcotics
Restlessness, Nausea, Dizziness, Confusion, Respiratory depression Scars caused by injections, loss of appetite, cough, lethargy, tolerance, addiction, unconsciousness
Withdrawal affects-
- Watery eyes, Runny nose
- Cramps
- Loss of appetite
- Irritability
- Nausea
- Tremors
- Panic
- Chills
|
Overdose-
- Slow, shallow breathing
- Clammy skin
- Convulsions
- Respiratory depression and arrest (stop breathing)
- Coma
- Death
|
Depressants
Intoxication similar to alcohol, Slurred speech, Impaired memory and judgment ,Loss of motor coordination ,Respiratory depression, Staggering or stumbling, Lack of coordination, Slurred speech, Falling asleep, Difficulty concentrating, Dilated pupils, Slowed pulse and breathing, Lowered blood pressure, Confusion, Addiction
Withdrawal effects -
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Muscle tremors
- Loss of Appetite
- Convulsions
- Delirium
- Death
|
Overdose -
- Shallow respiration
- Clammy skin
- Dilated pupils
- Weak and rapid pulse
- Respiratory depression and arrest (stop breathing)
- Coma
- Death
|
Stimulants
Increased heart and respiratory rates Rapid or irregular heartbeat, Elevated blood pressure, Decreased appetite, Rapid or irregular heartbeat, Loss of coordination, Collapse, Unhealthy weight loss, Perspiration, Blurred vision, Irritability, Argumentativeness, Nervousness, Increased blood pressure or pulse rate, Dilated pupils, Long periods without sleeping or eating, Dizziness, Insomnia (can't sleep), Restlessness, Anxiety, Delusions
Withdrawal Effects -
- Apathy
- Long periods of sleep
- Irritability
- Depression
- Convulsions
- Disorientation
|
Overdose -
- Agitation
- Increase in body temperature
- Hallucinations
- Heart failure, nervousness
- Convulsions
- Death
|
(Source: http://www.abovetheinfluence.com/facts/drugs-prescription-otc.aspx#)
Prescription drugs can be beneficial and essential for treating many illnesses when prescribed and taken as directed under a physician's supervision. However, when taken in larger amounts or for other reasons, or by other persons than those intended by the prescribing physician, they can be dangerous and even deadly.
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HOW ARE TEENS GETTING PRESCRIPTION DRUGS?
Contrary to popular belief, the most common way that children obtain these drugs is not "on-line" or from "doctor shopping". Most children pilfer these medications from their parents, friends, and grandparent's medicine cabinets.
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HOW CAN I KEEP MY CHILD FROM ABUSING PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS?
- Safeguard all drugs at home. Monitor quantities and control access. Take note of how many pills are in a bottle or pill packet, and keep track of refills. This goes for your own medication, as well as for your teen and other members of your household.
- If you find you have to refill medication more often than expected, there could be a real problem-someone may be taking your medication without your knowledge.
- If your teen has been prescribed a drug, be sure you control the medication, and monitor dosages and refills.
- Set clear rules for teens about all drug use, including not sharing medicine and always following the medical provider's advice and dosages.
- Make sure your teen uses prescription drugs only as directed by a medical provider and follows instructions for over-the-counter (OTC) products carefully. This includes taking the proper dosage and not using with other substances without a medical provider's approval.
- Teens should never take prescription or OTC drugs with street drugs or alcohol. If you have any questions about how to take a drug, call your family physician or pharmacist.
- Be a good role model by following these same rules with your own medicines. Examine your own behavior to ensure you set a good example. If you misuse your prescription drugs, such as share them with your kids, or abuse them, your teen will take notice. Avoid sharing your drugs and always follow your medical provider's instructions
(Source: http://www.theantidrug.com/drug_info/prescription_what_can_you_do.asp)
LIFE SAVING HOMEWORK FOR PARENTS AND CARETAKERS
- Examine the contents of their medicine cabinets for any expired or unnecessary prescription medications and discard according to Department of Environmental Protection regulations (below)
- Take the remaining necessary prescriptions out of the medicine cabinet and count the number of pills in each bottle.
- Construct a medication log for the remaining prescriptions. *
- LOCK THEM UP!
Lock the commonly abused medications in a secure location.
*TO REQUEST NOPE MEDICATION LOG BOOK AND BUMPER STICKER CLICK HERE
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HOW DO I DISPOSE OF MY EXPIRED AND UNUSED MEDICATIONS?
LAW ENFORCEMENT DROP OFF
Many Local Law Enforcement Agencies across the country have adopted a planned drop off date and location where community members may relinquish unwanted medications to be disposed of properly by Law Enforcement. Check with your local agencies to see if an organized drop off is available in your community.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
HOMEOWNER'S GUIDE TO DISPOSAL OF UNWANTED MEDICATIONS
- Do Not give drugs to anyone else!
- Do Not put drugs in the trash without disguising them! Human or animal scavengers may find them and misuse them.
- Do Not flush that leftover medicine! It can cause contamination to the aquatic environment because of wastewater treatment systems are not designed to remove many of these medications.
To protect the environment, please use these guidelines instead of flushing medications.
- Keep in the original container. This will help identify the contents if they are accidentally ingested.
- Mark out your name & prescription number for safety.
- For pills: add some water or soda to start dissolving them.
- For Liquids: add something inedible like cat litter or dirt.
- Close the lid and secure with duct or packing tape.
- Place the bottle(s) inside an opaque (non see-through) container like a detergent container.
- Tape that container closed.
- Hide the container in the trash. Do not put it in the recycle bin!
