Prescription Drug Misuse Support
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Prescription painkiller abuse and misuse touches the lives of so many people in our community and state. Whether you are a dentist wondering how to warn patients of the dangers of narcotics and opioids, a concerned parent or educator, a teen with an at-risk friend, an employer concerned for an employee, or someone who needs treatment, this information is for you.
More than 70% of people who abuse prescription painkillers get them through friends or relatives. In recent years, the rate of prescription painkiller overdoses has increased 260% among Wisconsin’s young people ages 12–25
4 out of 10 teens believe prescription drugs are less dangerous and less addictive than street drugs
In Wisconsin, more people die from prescription painkiller overdoses than all other drugs
For more information on Dose of Reality
For Parents
If you suspect your child is at risk…
When your child starts acting withdrawn, depressed, hostile or fatigued for no apparent reason, you may not suspect anything is wrong at first. Many of these normal adolescent behaviors can also be signs of a drug-related problem.
Other signs that could mean your child is at risk:
A decline in school performance or attendance
A “new” group of friends
Changing relationships with family and friends
Strange behavior you haven’t seen before such as being extremely happy or depressed for no reason, hostile, mood swings, uncooperative, not wanting to be around family or friends
A loss of interest in favorite sports and hobbies
A change in eating or sleeping patterns or personal hygiene
Sleeplessness, meaning sleeps all day and up all night
Forgetfulness and losing everyday things such as phone, keys, wallet
Secretive with phone calls or locks their bedroom door
If money, equipment or jewelry are missing
Glassy or red eyes
Trouble with school or the law
What parents can do…
Ask health care professionals and dentists for non-narcotic painkiller alternatives
Have a conversation with your child about alcohol and/or drugs
Let your child know you will stand by them and offer support
Do not supply your child with a steady flow of cash if you aren’t certain about where and how it will be spent
Bring your child to a medical professional who can check for signs of drug use (including drug testing) and other mental health issues
Take away driving privileges to keep them safe, as well as an incentive to get them to agree to see a medical professional
Educate yourself about addiction, treatment and recovery (visit our “Resources” page)
Ask for help when you are feeling overwhelmed, puzzled, concerned or need someone to listen
For Youth
What students and young people can do…
Warn your friends about the dangers of abusing and misusing prescription painkillers, including this fact: 4 out of 5 heroin addicts started by abusing painkillers
If you’re concerned about a friend’s drug use, talk to your parent or another adult who can help you talk to your friend about their drug use
If you’re concerned about your drug use, reach out to your parents or an adult who is able to help you navigate what your next steps to stop using can be
If someone offers you pills that weren’t prescribed to you, say no. Encourage that person to dispose of them properly
Never offer your own prescription painkillers to someone else
If you find prescription painkillers at home, leave them alone. Better yet, ask your parents to lock them up. If the medications are expired or no longer needed, dispose of them properly
Resources for Youth:
Get the facts on the dangers of prescription painkiller misuse. Find out where there’s a Drug Take-Back location near you. Check out Dose of Reality videos (visit our “Resources” page) and information about prescription painkillers.
For Educators
Warning signs…
Youth show a decline in school performance or attendance
Consistently late to school
Has a “new” group of friends
Changing relationships with family and friends
Intermittent nodding off — chin on chest, sleepy, slow to respond
Strange behavior such as extremely happy or depressed for no reason, mood swings, hostile
What educators can do…
Gain knowledge of the risk factors for painkiller misuse including these: stress over school work or exams, trouble with friends, depression and anxiety
Talk with students and parents about the risks and dangers of prescription painkillers, especially opioids and narcotics
Let students and parents know that you will stand by them and offer support if they need it
Review your school’s policies on drug use and encourage administrators to consider updating them to include misuse of narcotic painkillers
Watch students for signs of addiction
For Medical Professionals
What prescribing medical, dental and pharmacy providers can do…
Talk with patients about the dangers and risks of prescription painkillers, especially those that include opioids
Offer alternative prescription painkiller options (those that don’t include opioids) to patients
Be sure patients are aware of the high risk of addiction, especially among young people ages 12–25
Reinforce that patients should take medicine only if it’s been prescribed for them by their doctor, physician, dentist or prescribing medical professional
Reinforce that patients should take medication only as directed. They should never adjust the schedule or dosage on their own
Store prescription painkillers securely — ideally, locked in a cabinet, lock-box or drawer
Dispose of unused, expired or unwanted medication — preferably at a Drug Take-Back location
Resources for Prescribing Medical Providers…
GET THE FACTS on the dangers of prescription painkiller misuse and share them with your patients. Visit TheTruth.com
Post and distribute free Dose of Reality informational and education materials created specifically for you by your peers in the Wisconsin medical, dental and pharmaceutical communities. Visit DoseOfReality.wi.gov
