Prescription Drug (Rx) Information

What is Rx Drug Abuse?

The misuse of prescription drugs means taking a medication in a manner or dose other than prescribed; taking someone else’s prescription, even if for a legitimate medical complaint such as pain; or taking a medication to feel euphoria (i.e., to get high). National Institute of Drug Abuse 

The most common Rx drugs that are misused or abused are:
  • Opioids — usually prescribed to treat pain  
  • Central nervous system [CNS] depressants (this category includes tranquilizers, sedatives, and hypnotics) — used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders
  • Stimulants — most often prescribed to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Anyone who takes prescription opioids can become addicted to them. In fact, as many as one in four patients receiving long-term opioid therapy in a primary care setting struggles with opioid addiction. (CDC)                                                                                

Indiana Data

Every two and a half hours, someone in Indiana is sent to the hospital for an opioid overdose.
  • In Indiana, there are enough bottles of painkillers in circulation for nearly every Hoosier to have their own.
  • Indiana is one of four states where the fatal drug overdose rate has quadrupled since 1999.
  •  Because of this rise, Hoosiers are now more likely to die from a drug overdose than a car accident.
  • Source: Indina University

Why Some People Abuse Rx Drugs?

RX Drug abuse is a mental health issue. The person who is abusing the RX drugs, need treatment to deal with the mental health issue.
  • • To feel good or get high.
  • To relax or relieve tension
  • To reduce appetite or increase alertness
  • To experiment with the mental effects of the substance
  • To maintain an addiction and prevent withdrawal
  • To be accepted by peers (peer pressure) or to be social
  • To try to improve concentration and academic or work performance
  • Past or present addictions to other substances, including alcohol
  • Certain pre-existing mental health conditions
  • Exposure to peer pressure or social environment where there's drug use
  • Easier access to prescription drugs
  • Lack of Knowledge about prescription drugs

Who is at risk for abusing Rx drugs?

  • Teenagers
  • Woman
  • Senior Age population
  • Obtaining overlapping prescriptions for multiple providers
  • Taking high daily dosages of prescription pain relievers

What are the signs and symptoms of Rx abuse?

Signs is what you see, symptoms are what you feel
  • Confusion, Dizziness, Poor Coordination, Agitation, Doziness, Nausea, Slurred Speech, Insomnia
  • Drowsiness, Slow Breathing, Slow Heart rate, Anxiety, Paranoid

 Resources In or Close To Hamilton County:

▪ Aspire:

▪ Connect2HELP2-1-1:

▪ Community Hospital North, Behavior Health

  • 24 Hour Crisis Service   1-800-662-3445 or 317-621-5700
  • Ecommunity.com

▪ Fairbanks Hospital

▪ St. Vincent Stress Center

Safe Disposal of Medications

Where you can dispose of used medications and syringes! 

  1. Prescription Drug Resources List (PDF)
  2. Used Medication Disposal