Drug Abuse

CDC – The number of drug overdose deaths increased by nearly 5% from 2018 to 2019 and has quadrupled since 1991. Over 70% of the 70,630 deaths in 2019 involved an opioid …

Prescription opioids are medications that are chemically similar to endorphins – opioids that our body makes naturally to relieve pain – and also similar to the illegal drug heroin. In nature, opioids are found in the seed pod of the opium poppy plant. Opioid medications can be natural (made from the plant), semi-synthetic (modified in a lab from the plant), and fully synthetic (completely made by people).

There is a significant risk for today’s generation because of fentanyl. It is a deadly hidden threat. Fentanyl-laced drugs are extremely dangerous. Parents, guardians, educators, and anyone responsible for children must rely on drug prevention education to safeguard children and teens from this growing threat.

Get the facts on the misuse and abuse of prescription opioids such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, and codeine, and the illegal opioid, heroin. Opioids are a class of drugs chemically similar to alkaloids found in opium poppies. Historically they have been used as painkillers, but they also have great potential for misuse. Repeated use of opioids greatly increases the risk of developing an opioid use disorder. The use of illegal opiate drugs such as heroin and the misuse of legally available pain relievers such as oxycodone and hydrocodone can have serious negative health effects. According to the CDC, 44 people die every day in the United States from overdose of prescription painkillers.

In October 2017, the President and acting U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary determined that a public health emergency exists nationwide. Opioids can help in the management of certain types of pain, but they pose serious health, financial, and social consequences when misused.

• Anabolic Steroids—Buying “bulk” is never a good deal when it comes to these substances, which can cause guys to grow breasts and girl s to grow beards along with more life-threatening effects.
• Brain and Addiction—Discover what’s in your head and how drugs of abuse cause changes in the brain.
• Ecstasy (MDMA)—This club drug can cause confusion, depression, sleep problems, intense fear and anxiety that can last for days or weeks (in regular drug users) after taking it.
• HIV, AIDS, and Drug Abuse—Behaviors associated with drug abuse now are one of the largest factors in the spread of HIV infection in the United States.
• Inhalants—Chemicals in common household products can get you “high”, but often at a high cost to your health.
• Marijuana—Think everyone does it? And a bunch of leaves must be harmless, right? Check the facts.
• Nicotine—It only takes eight seconds to reach the brain and start making changes.
• Stimulants—This class of drugs can elevate mood and increase energy, but the are highly addictive.
• Other Drugs—Looking for information on other drugs not listed here? NIDA has lots of other resources available on many common drugs of abuse that you can check out by visiting the NIDA website.

(National Institute on Drug Abuse, supported by National Institutes of Health)

Too Good for Drugs develops a framework of social skills to establish and promote setting reachable goals, making responsible decisions, communicating effectively, identifying, and managing emotions, and bonding with pro-social peers; plus, peer pressure refusal, problem-solving, and media literacy. Students also gain substance prevention education at age-appropriate levels.

• Adrenal Steroids — Colorado State University hosts this page on naturally occurring steroids and their synthesis in the human body.
• Anabolic Steroids and Training — Subjects covered on this page include the chemical structure and function of steroids.
• Animal Steroid Hormone Implants — This FDA resource has information on hormone steroid implants given to animals in food production.
• Consumer Concerns about Hormones in Food — Cornell University is the source of this overview of steroids and other hormones in the food supply.
• Drugs and Chemicals of Concern: Anabolic Steroids — The U.S. Department of Justice Office of Diversion Control has a lot of good information about steroids and legal facts on this site.
• Introduction to Steroids — The chemical makeup of steroids is the focus of this helpful resource.
• Kids Health: Steroids — Although this page is geared toward kids, it has excellent information for everyone on steroids, steroid abuse, and what can be done to combat the illegal use of anabolic steroids.
• NIDA Infofacts: Steroids — The National Institute on Drug Abuse has this helpful page on steroids and their abuse.
• Steroid-Induced Osteoporosis — Information on a devastating disease that is the side effect of steroid use is located on the other side of this link.
• Steroids Drug Guide — DrugFree.org hosts this information on steroids as part of its series on commonly abused drugs.
• Steroids, Sports, and the Ethics of Winning — Santa Clara University has this page on the ethical questions that center around the use of steroids in athletics.
• Winning at Any Cost — Read about the use of steroids in athletics and their negative side effects on this resource from the New York State Department of Health.

(resources from wholesale central)

Tips for Parents on Keeping Children Drug Free tells what your children should know about drugs by the time they reach the third grade, ways to help your child stay drug free in the middle and junior high school years, and how to… (Department of Education)

Tobacco Information and Prevention Source provides educational materials that help to prevent tobacco use among youth, promote smoking cessation, and protect nonsmokers from environmental tobacco smoke. Visitors can order… (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

National Family Partnership is the sponsor of the National Red Ribbon Week Celebration observed in October each year. They help “citizens across the state come together to keep children, families and communities safe, healthy and drug-free, through parent training, networking and sponsoring the National Red Ribbon Campaign. It is an ideal way for people and communities to unite and take a visible stand against substance abuse. Show your personal commitment to a drug-free lifestyle through the symbol of the Red Ribbon…” (National Family Partnership)