Suncoast Rehabilitation Center brings you the final installment of our series of drug myths and facts.
MYTH #19:
Using Adderall isn’t dangerous because doctors prescribe them for children all the time.
TRUTH:
Abuse of prescription stimulants like Adderall can cause serious health problems, including panic attacks, seizures, stunted growth and heart attacks. Children and adults who are prescribed Adderall and other similar stimulants are monitored regularly by their doctor who should be constantly monitoring their blood pressure, heart rate, mood, and growth of each patient. Any drug, prescription or otherwise, is dangerous to continuously use over a long period of time – particularly if you are not being monitored by a doctor.
Moreover, even prescribed use of stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin have resulted in children becoming addicted. Further, the use of such drugs at an early age tends to give children the idea that drug use is safe. Thus the drugs, whether prescribed or not, tend to become gateway drugs, encouraging the users to try other substances.
(talkaboutrx.org)
MYTH #20:
Unlike underage binge drinking and marijuana use, misusing and sharing prescription medications is legal.
TRUTH:
Using other people’s medications, especially those that are controlled substances without a doctor’s prescription or misusing someone’s prescription is illegal and harmful. Only a doctor or pharmacist can legally give you these medications.
(talkaboutrx.org, World Health Organization, Interview)
MYTH #21:
Everyone is “doing” prescription drugs [illegally].
TRUTH:
According to national surveys, less than 25% of U.S. young adults (between the ages of 18-20) have used prescription drugs illegally.
(talkaboutrx.org)
MYTH #22:
Students often get prescription medications from drug dealers on the street.
TRUTH:
Most students actually get prescription medications from their fellow friends, classmates or family. Often, prescription drugs are stolen from the medicine cabinet, sold or traded by friends, or provided at parties.
If you know someone who is suffering from prescription drug addiction, please contact us right away. Our phone number is (877) 850-7355, and information about our long-term, inpatient program, how it works, and the stories of our graduates can be found at www.suncoastrehabcenter.com. (talkaboutrx.org)
