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Definitions -
Street
Drugs
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Prescription Drugs -
Resources
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Support Groups
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Addiction/Overdosing
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Reporting
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Drug Abuse |
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The History
It has been documented through time that drugs have
played a tremendous role in our society. In the “early days,” it
was perfectly legal for someone to possess and use drugs such as
marijuana (cannabis), heroin (opiates) and other dangerous
substances, with little or no government control.
It was not until
society recognized that these same drugs that possessed some
medicinal value also possessed a strong potential to cause users to
abuse them, and were
deemed an overall hazard to the well-being of our communities.
As a result of
exhaustive
research, and with the backing of medical communities and government,
we have enacted laws to protect our citizens from these
dangerous substances and their destructive nature.
Who is Affected
Drug abuse and
abusers follow no set pattern. Drug abuse plays on human
weakness and shows no mercy to its victims and their families. It
does not matter what social, economic, or ethnic class you are in –
drug abuse can infect anyone.
Following is
some information on the commonly abused drugs and their effects on
our everyday lives. There is also a resource list.
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Definitions |
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Addiction:
A psychological and/or physical need to take a drug on a regular
basis to experience drug’s effect and to avoid the discomfort of its
absence.
Dependency:
Psychological and/or physical dependence of a drug, resulting from
the use of that drug on a periodic or continuous basis.
Tolerance:
The body’s resistance to the effects of
the drug. As a person’s tolerance to a drug increases with
continued use, the user needs progressively higher doses to obtain
the desired effects.
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Street Drugs |
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Cannabis (Marijuana) |
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Dependency |
Physical |
Psychological |
Tolerance |
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None |
Moderate |
Moderate |
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Description |
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Known
as hemp, marijuana .
Tall, leafy plant with odd number of divided leaves.
Grows all over the world. Female flower contains
most of the cannabanoids. |
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Effects |
Time, color, spatial perception
distortions, dreamy euphoria, excitement, laughter,
increased appetite. Panic attacks. Paranoia.
May be anti-epileptic, treatment for nausea and other
side effects of chemotherapy and AIDS drugs.
Treatment for glaucoma, asthma. Possible treatment for
anorexia nervosa. |
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Cocaine |
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Dependency |
Physical |
Psychological |
Tolerance |
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Moderate |
Severe |
Strong |
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Description |
Both
a central nervous system stimulant and anesthetic. It
is found in the leaves of the Erthroxylum coca plant
native to S. America. One can chew the leaves to
produce a mild stimulation. Outside S. America, it can
be found in powder cocaine or freebase (chemically
purified cocaine. Also known as the lady, girl, white,
uptown, coke. |
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Effects |
Increases alertness, wakefulness, elevates the mood,
induces a high degree of euphoria, decreases fatigue,
improves thinking, increase concentration, increases
energy, increased irritability, insomnia, restlessness.
In large doses, possible psychosis with confused and
disorganized behavior, irritability, fear, paranoia,
hallucinations, may become extremely antisocial and
aggressive. Increases heart rate, blood pressure, body
temperature, pulse and respiration. Decreased sleep and
appetite, seizures, strokes, heart attacks, death. |
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Crack |
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Dependency |
Physical |
Psychological |
Tolerance |
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Moderate |
Severe |
Strong |
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Description |
Another form of cocaine base, named
because of the sound it makes when heated. In a
solution, after heated, it is dried and forms crack
cocaine that is cut into “rocks.” Not all crack on
the streets is pure. |
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Effects |
More
intense effects than other cocaine, but short-lived.
Once the drug leaves the brain, the used experiences a
“coke crash” that includes depression, irritability,
fatigue, increase risk of abnormal heart rhythms, high
blood pressure, stroke and death. Long term effects
include coughing of black phlegm, wheezing, lung trauma
and bleeding, hoarseness, parched lips, tongue and
throat from inhaling hot fumes, mental deterioration,
psychosis, suicidal thoughts social withdrawal, and
violent behavior. |
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Ecstasy |
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Dependency |
Physical |
Psychological |
Tolerance |
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Reported but not
confirmed |
Moderate |
Moderate |
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Description |
MDMA
is an amphetamine derivative. Can be extracted from an
essential oil of the sassafras tree. Known as Ecstasy,
X, XTC, E, M, truck driver, beans, rolls. |
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Effects |
Can
produce euphoric sense of well being, feeling of
connectedness with empathy for other people, enhanced
sense of pleasure and self-confidence, increased
energy. Favorite on the club and “rave” circuits. In
overdoses, can experience confusion, disorientation,
anxiety, panic attacks, depression, insomnia, anxiety,
panic attacks, depression, insomnia, perceptual
disorders and hallucinations, paranoia and psychosis.
May change the way the brain produces and distributes
neuro-transmitters leading to long-term depression and
possible other mental illness. |
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GHB (Gamma
Hydroxybutyric Acid) |
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Dependency |
Physical |
Psychological |
Tolerance |
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Reported but not
confirmed |
Moderate |
Moderate |
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Description |
Gamma-hydroxy-butyrate. Clear liquid, although also in
powder form which is rarely seen. Colorless, odorless,
nearly tasteless. Is a solvent, found in floor cleaning
products, nail polish, and super glue removers. |
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Effects |
Depresses the respiratory system and reduces the amount
of oxygen the brain receives which could lead to
unconsciousness and loss of memory. Reduces social
inhibitions, increases libido. Feelings of sedation.
Vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, vertigo, seizures.
Loss of consciousness, irregular and depressed
respiration, tremors or coma. Deaths have occurred. |
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Heroin |
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Dependency |
Physical |
Psychological |
Tolerance |
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Extreme |
Extreme |
Extreme |
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Description |
Opiate. Derived from the dried “milk” of opium poppy
which contains morphine and codeine which are used as
painkillers. Known as smack, junk, skag, shit, H,
brown, horse, dope, boy. White powder with a bitter
taste. In powder form. Varies in color from white to
dark brown. Black Tar is made predominately in Mexico.
Heroin is illegal in the United States. |
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Effects |
Sedative. Euphoric, drowsy, warm and content feeling.
Relieves stress and discomfort by a relaxed detachment
from pain, desires and activity. Depresses activity of
nervous system like coughing, breathing and heart rate.
Causes widening of the blood vessels which gives a
feeling of warmth, reduces bowel activity causing constipation. Overdoes can result in unconsciousness,
coma and death. Overdose is greatly increased if
alcohol or tranquilizers are used. |
Dependency
(Additional
Information)
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Highly addictive. Mild withdrawal symptoms are similar
to the flu – often users don’t realize their “sickness”
is withdrawal. Once
addicted, the withdrawal is grueling, peaks between
48-72 hours after the last dose. The intense part of
withdrawal lasts for 3-5 days, effects can last for
months. Symptoms may include vomiting, nausea,
diarrhea, cramping, muscle and bone pain, cold flashes
with goose bumps, kicking movements, severe shaking.
Cravings and depression may occur during withdrawal.
Treatment includes physical detoxification, then
residential or 12-step programs. Resources include:
Narcotics
Anonymous
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LSD |
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Dependency |
Physical |
Psychological |
Tolerance |
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None |
Moderate |
Moderate |
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Description |
Probably most widely known and most commonly used
hallucinogen in U.S. Known as Acid, Cid, Trips, L,
Doses, Vitamin L, Paper. In base form, is a liquid but
when it reaches the street, it can be in a variety of
forms on blotter paper, or as pills, gelatin shapes
(known as window pane), liquid, and sugar cubes. |
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Effects |
LSD
trip lasts from 6-12 hours, depending on the dose, with
the peak of the trip about 2 hours after taking the
drug. Vague feeling of anticipation, increased energy,
undefined feeling that something is different. As
effects gain strength, a general change in sensory
perception occurs: non-specific mental and physical
stimulation, pupil dilation, closed and open eye
patterning and hallucinations, changed thought patterns,
feelings of insight, confusion, extreme mental clarity,
paranoia, quickly changing emotions.
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Methamphetamine |
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Dependency |
Physical |
Psychological |
Tolerance |
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Moderate |
Moderate to Severe |
Strong |
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Description |
Known as speed, meth, crystal, crank, ice. Stimulates
central nervous system. Produces alertness elation.
Longer lasting effects than cocaine. Often confused
with other drugs that have similar symptoms including
amphetamine, ephedrine, caffeine. |
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Effects |
Euphoria, hyper-excitability, extreme nervousness,
accelerated heartbeat, sweating, dizziness,
restlessness, insomnia, tooth grinding, incessant
talking. Elevated blood pressure, heart rate, increased
nervous activity, hypothermia, convulsions. Possible
death. Can develop an amphetamine
psychosis which is similar to paranoid schizophrenia.
May have hallucinations, delusions, extreme paranoia. |
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Mushrooms |
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Dependency |
Physical |
Psychological |
Tolerance |
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None |
Moderate |
Moderate |
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Description |
One
of most frequently used hallucinogens after LSD. Almost
all are small, brown or tan. Known as Mushrooms, Magic
Mushrooms, Mushies, Shrooms, Sillies, Boomers Caps, or
Fungus. |
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Effects |
Similar to LSD but less intense and of shorter
duration. Feelings of being out of one’s body (ego
loss), colorful hallucinations, distortion in spatial
perception, time and color shift. May experience
lightheadedness, numbness of tongue, lips or mouth,
shivering or sweating, nausea and/or vomiting, anxiety.
Bad trips can occur. |
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Prescription Drugs
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Oxycontin |
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Description |
Oxycodone hydrochloride (C18 H21 NO4 - HCl MW 351.83) is the
chemical structural formula for OxyContin, manufactured by Purdue
Pharma, L.P. Tablets are an opioid analgesic, and a Schedule II
controlled substance with an abuse liability similar to morphine.
OxyContin tablets are supplied in 10mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg
tablet strengths for oral administration. The tablet strengths
indicate the amount of oxycodone per tablet as hydrochloride salt.
OxyContin is a trade name for the drug oxycodone hydrochloride, or
oxycodone HCL. Street names for Oxycodone include Oxy, O.C.,
Hillbilly heroin, Oxycotton and Killer.
Oxycodone is a white, odorless crystalline powder derived from the
opium alkaloid, thebaine. Inactive ingredients include ammonio
methacrylate copolymer, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose,
magnesium stearate, povidone, red iron oxide (20 mg strength tablet
only), stearyl alcohol, talc, titanium dioxide, triacetin, yellow
iron oxide (40 mg strength tablet only) , yellow iron oxide with
FD&C blue No. 2 (80 mg strength tablet only). |
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Indications |
OxyContin tablets are a controlled-release oral formulation of
oxycodone hydrochloride indicated for the management of chronic, and
moderate to severe pain when a continuous around-the-clock analgesic
is needed. When used properly, OxyContin can provide pain relief for
up to 12 hours. OxyContin is not intended as a prn analgesic. (Not
to be taken as needed.) |
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Usage |
While OxyContin tablets are only to be administered by swallowing
the tablets whole, a number of other dangerous and
potentially fatal means of administration are often employed by
those seeking to increase the euphoria, by bypassing the
time-release control mechanism. According to many experts, this
hazardous and abusive means of ingestion creates a euphoric rush
similar to heroin.
These potentially lethal ingestion practices include snorting,
crushing, chewing, or injecting the dissolved product. This results
in an uncontrolled delivery of the opioid and poses significant
risks to the abuser that could result in overdose and death. |
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Effects |
Oxycodone works by stimulating certain opioid receptors located
throughout the central nervous system, in the brain and along the
spinal cord. When the oxycodone binds to the opioid receptors, a
variety of physiologic responses can occur, including pain relief,
relaxation, slowed breathing, and euphoria.
Typical side effects of opioid therapy include constipation,
somnolence, nausea, vomiting, pruritus, (itching) headache, dry
mouth, sweating and asthenia (weakness).
Less common but potentially hazardous effects include respiratory
depression, altered mental state and postural hypotension. Elderly
patients are particularly susceptible to respiratory depression,
particularly when oxycodone is used in conjunction with other CNS
depressant medications. Oxycodone can cause severe hypotension and
is risky for individuals whose ability to maintain blood pressure
has been compromised.
All effects are typical opioid side effects. Such effects are dose
dependent, related to a patient's level of opioid tolerance, and
specific to an individual's host factors.
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Cautionary Note |
Oxycodone should only be used with extreme caution in the following
conditions: acute alcoholism; Addison's Disease; CNS depression or
coma; delirium tremens; debilitated patients; kyphosocoliosis
associated with respiratory depression; myxedema or hypothyroidism;
prostatic hypertrophy or urethral stricture; severe impairment or
hepatic, pulmonary or renal function; and toxic psychosis.
Oxycodone usage may obscure the diagnosis or clinical course in
patients with acute abdominal conditions.
Oxycodone may aggravate convulsive disorders, and all opioids may
induce or aggravate seizures.
The use of oxycodone with alcohol, other opioids, or illicit drugs
will have an additive effect, causing central nervous system
depression.
Oxycodone is abused much like other legal or illicit opioid
agonists. This medication has become widely sought by drug abusers
and people with a history of addiction.
Acute over dosage presents with respiratory depression, somnolence
leading to stupor or coma, skeletal muscle flaccidity, cold and
clammy skin, constricted pupils, bradycardia (unusually slow heart
action), hypotension and death. Oxycodone over dosage requires
immediate medical attention. |
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Withdrawal |
Hydrocodone withdrawal is often characterized by over-activity of
the physiologic functions that were suppressed by the drug and/or
depression of the functions that were stimulated by the drug.
Opioids often cause sleepiness, calmness, and constipation, so
opioid withdrawal often includes insomnia, anxiety, and diarrhea.
Other withdrawal symptoms include restlessness, sweating, chills,
yawning, muscle pain, teariness, and runny nose. Other symptoms
include: irritability, joint pain, backache, weakness, abdominal
cramps, insomnia, nausea, anorexia, vomiting, and increased blood
pressure, respiratory rate, or heart rate. |
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Vicodin |
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Description |
Vicodin is the brand name for the popular painkiller, hydrocodone
bitartrate and acetaminophen. Hydrocodone bitartrate is an opioid
analgesic and antitussive, occurring as fine, white crystals or, as
a crystalline powder. |
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Indications |
Vicodin is a phenathrene-derivate opiate agonist, effective both as
an antitussive (anti-cough) agent, and as an opiate, an effective
analgesic for mild to moderate pain. Five mg of hydrocodone is
equivalent to 30 mg of codeine when administered orally. 15 mg (1/4
gr) of hydrocodone is considered equivalent to 10 mg (1/6 gr) of
morphine. Hydrocodone is considered to be like morphine in all
respects. |
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Usage |
The combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone is available in
tablet or capsule form, as well as liquid, to be taken by mouth.
Generally, it is taken every 4-6 hours as needed (PRN). The usual
dose of Vicodin is 1 or 2 tablets, up to a maximum of 8 tablets per
day. The usual dose of Vicodin HP® is 1 tablet, up to a maximum of 6
tablets per day. For Vicodin ES®, the usual dose is 1 tablet, up to
a maximum of 5 tablets per day. Vicodin can be habit forming or
addictive, and it is imperative that patients take the medication
precisely as prescribed by their physician.
Do not increase the amount or frequency without your doctor's
approval. Do not take this drug for any reason other than the one
prescribed. |
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Effects |
Vicodin is a semi synthetic narcotic analgesic and antitussive with
multiple actions qualitatively similar to those of codeine. Most of
these involve the central nervous system and smooth muscle. The
precise mechanism of action of hydrocodone and other opiates is not
known, although it is believed to relate to the existence of opiate
receptors in the central nervous system. In addition to analgesia,
narcotics may produce euphoria; drowsiness; lethargy; relaxation;
difficulty in concentrating; decreased physical activity in some
users and increased physical activity in others; mild anxiety or
fear, and pupillary constriction. |
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Cautionary Note |
Vicodin may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car, operate machinery,
or perform any other potentially dangerous activities until you know
how this drug affects you.
Narcotics such as Vicodin may interfere with the diagnosis and
treatment of abdominal conditions.
Vicodin suppresses the cough reflex; therefore, be careful using
Vicodin after an operation or if you have a lung disease.
High doses of Vicodin may produce slowed breathing; if you are
sensitive to this drug, you are more likely to experience this
effect.
Vicodin slows the nervous system. Alcohol can intensify this effect.
Use
Vicodin
with caution if:
You have a head injury. Narcotics tend to increase the pressure of
the fluid within the skull.
If
you have a severe liver or kidney disorder, an under active thyroid
gland, Addison's disease (a disease of the adrenal glands), an
enlarged prostate, or urethral stricture.
You are elderly and/or in a weakened condition.
Vicodin usage may obscure the diagnosis or clinical course in
patients with acute abdominal conditions.
If
Vicodin
is
taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either may be
increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to
check with your doctor before combining Vicodin with the following:
Valium and Librium
Tricyclic Antidepressants such as such as Elavil and Tofranil
Cimetidine
Antihistamines such as Tavist
MAO inhibitors such as Nardil and Parnate
Major tranquilizers such as Thorazine and Haldol
Other narcotic analgesics such as Demerol
Other central nervous system depressants such as Halcion and
Restoril
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. A
severe overdose of Vicodin can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose,
seek emergency medical treatment immediately.
Symptoms of a Vicodin overdose include: Blood disorders, bluish
tinge to skin, cold and clammy skin, extreme sleepiness progressing
to a state of unresponsiveness or coma, general feeling of bodily
discomfort, heart problems, heavy perspiration, kidney problems,
limp muscles, liver failure, low blood pressure, nausea, slow
heartbeat, troubled or slowed breathing, and vomiting.
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Resources |
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The National Institute on Drug Abuse
(NIDA)
National Library of Medicine
Partnership for a Drug-Free America
United States Drug Enforcement
Administration
Purdue Pharma L.P. (Painfully Obvious)
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Support Groups |
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Brevard
Outpatient
Alternative Treatment
1127 South
Patrick Drive
Satellite Beach, Florida
(321) 773-1111 |
Narcotics
Anonymous (321) 631-4357
Alcoholics
Anonymous (321) 633-0052
724-2247
Al-ANON (321)
639-0220 |
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Robin’s Nest
Substance Abuse Program
1948 Pineapple
Avenue
Melbourne,
Florida 32935
(321) 676-1260 |
Twin Rivers
Treatment Center
(Circles of Care)
400 East
Sheridan Road
Melbourne,
Florida 32901
(321) 723-3974
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Central Florida
Treatment Center
(Methadone Clinic)
2198 Harris
Avenue N/E
Palm Bay,
Florida 32905
(321) 951-9750
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Central Florida
Treatment Center
(Methadone Clinic)
7 North Cocoa
Boulevard
Cocoa, Florida
32922
(321) 631-4578
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Advice On Prescription Medication Addiction |
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Education:
Know how
medication for depression, anxiety or pain could be addictive. The
people who get in trouble are those who have no history of problems
and think they're not addicted. If drugs are abused, the body will
build a tolerance that requires an unhealthy increase in medication..
Symptoms:
Prescription drug addiction is subtle and different in every
individual. There could be a change in mood, sense of well-being,
belligerence, false feeling of confidence, heightened sensitivity or
flat emotions..
Confrontation:
Find
motivation and incentives to help the abuser quit. Consider an
intervention with friends and family, get help from trained
professionals or find someone with influence to sponsor
rehabilitation. Create a loving community of support with firmness
against continued abuse..
Withdraw:
During drug dependence, the brain stops producing natural chemicals
that it was getting from the drug, so withdrawal can be
excruciating. Consult a doctor or medical personnel to address appropriate
levels of medication and a step-by-step process.
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Common Symptoms of Addiction |
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- False feelings
of self-confidence
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- Changes in mood,
from a sense of well being to belligerence
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- Increased
sensitivity to sights and sounds, including hallucinations
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- Unpleasant or
painful symptoms when substance is withdrawn
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- Altered activity
levels-such as sleeping for 12-14 hours or frenzied activity lasting
for hours
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Common Signs of Overdosing |
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Intoxication:
Slurred speech, lethargic, disorientation, loss of balance, loss of
eye contact, impaired motoring skills, loss of simple coordination.
Unconsciousness:
(Pass-out),
heavy breathing, loud/deep snoring, shallow breathing, respiratory
suppression.
Unresponsive/Lifeless:
foaming from mouth/nose area, cold, stiff to touch, heavy
facial/body discoloration.
Call the
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency
help line
at (800) 622-2255, or go online to
http://www.prescriptiondrugaddiction.com/.
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How To Report Pharmaceutical Crimes |
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Citizens:
If you suspect someone is selling prescription medications or any
other controlled substances (drugs) illegally contact your local law
enforcement agency to report the crime.
Pharmacies/Pharmacist:
If
you suspect that someone has utilized your pharmacy to obtain and/or
attempted to obtain controlled substances illegally, via the passing
of a fraudulent prescription note or fraudulently calling the
pharmacy posing as a physician’s office, you are required by law to
notify your local authorities. A simple call to the investigating
agency can help to prevent the illicit distribution of controlled
substances on our streets.
It
is a FELONY to commit these acts, of obtaining and/or attempt
to obtain a controlled substance by fraud and/or subterfuge.
The Melbourne Police Department has experts who coordinate efforts
with other local, state, and federal agencies to ensure that its
citizens are well informed about the dangers of drug abuse and the
deadly affect it could have on their lives. |
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