*CASAColumbia

*CASAColumbia

Addictions get their start in the teenage years

*CASAColumbia

1 in 4 Teens report having misused or abused a prescription drug at

least once in their lifetime.

*MedicineAbuseProject

1/3 of teens believe “it’s okay to use prescription drugs that

were not prescribed to them to deal with an injury, illness, or physical pain”

*MedicineAbuseProject

40% of teens Who have misused or abused a

prescription drug obtained it from their parent’s medicine cabinet

*MedicineAbuseProject

1 in 5 ParentsIndicated that they have given their teen

a prescription drug that was not prescribed for them

*MedicineAbuseProject

Drug overdose became the leading cause of injury

death in 2012 surpassing motor vehicle traffic crashes in the US (41,502)

*CDC22,114 (53%) were related to

pharmaceuticals

113 people die from drug overdose in the United

States every day

*CDC

5 Sterling HS Graduates died from drug overdose in

a span of 5 months (11/04/2013 – 04/06/2014)

Recognizing Drug Abuse

• Problems at School– frequently missing school– sudden disinterest in school activities or work– drop in grades or work performance

• Physical Health Issues– lack of energy and motivation– Drowsiness– Slurred speech– Lack of coordination– Constricted Pupils– Sweaty, clammy skin– Memory problems– Depression *MayoClinic

Recognizing Drug Abuse

• Neglected appearance– lack of interest in clothing, grooming or looks

• Changes in Behavior – exaggerated efforts to bar family members from entering his

or her room– being secretive about where he or she goes with friends– drastic changes in behavior and in relationships with family

and friends• Spending money

– Sudden requests for money without a reasonable explanation– discovery that money is missing or has been stolen– items have disappeared from your home

*MayoClinic