Are you concerned about the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs? Are you trying to educate those around you to its dangers? Are you concerned about the “other freshman 15”? Then you may be part of Generation Rx.
Generation Rx began at The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy in 2007 in response to the rapid increase in accidental drug overdose deaths in Ohio. Its purpose is to combat the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs through educational prevention. One such component – the “other freshman 15”. Fifteen facts about prescription drug abuse:
- Prescription medications are among the most abused substances in the US.
- The average age when prescription drug abuse starts is 21.
- Non-medical use of prescription drugs by college students has doubled since 1990.
- About half of all college students will have the opportunity to abuse a prescription drug by their sophomore year.
- A growing campus culture of self-diagnosis and self-prescribing has the potential to cause negative health effects and lead to the dangers of prescription drug abuse.
- Abusing prescription medications is not a safe alternative to using illicit “street” drugs.
- Using medications like Vicodin, Adderall, or Xanax that aren’t prescribed for you is against federal and state laws.
- Emergency department visits relating to prescription drug abuse now exceed those relating to illicit “street” drugs.
- Some prescription medications can be addicting.
- Unintentional drug overdose is leading the cause of accidental death in the US.
- Most people who abuse prescription medications get them from family members or friends.
- It is critical that we store prescription medications securely and properly dispose of them when they are no longer needed to prevent misuse or abuse by others.
- It is important to only use prescription medications as prescribed by a healthcare professional.
- When you share your prescription medications with others, you could be liable if that person is harmed.
- Prescription drugs can help us live longer and healthier lives – but only if they are used properly and under medical supervision.
Take some time and view the Interact play on prescription drug abuse.
If you have prescription medications that you no longer need or that have expired, bring them to the Wilce Student Health Center Pharmacy on April 17, 2014 8am – 2pm for safe disposal. No cost, no questions.
Learn more about Generation Rx at http://drupalmod.pharmacy.ohio-state.edu/outreach/generation-rx-initiative.
Submitted by Candace Haugtvedt, R.Ph., Ph.D.
Reviewed by Tina Comston, M.Ed.