More people die from drug related overdoses than motor vehicle accidents every year. Learn more here: www.drugabuse.gov
Everyday in the U.S., 2,500 youth (12-17) abuse a prescription pain reliever for the first time. Learn more here: www.drugfreeworld.org
Narcan (naloxone) is a prescription medicine that can reverse an opioid overdose or prevent it long enough for the person to receive adequate medical care. Learn more here: www.getnaloxonenow.org
Drug addiction is a chronic, progressive but treatable disorder in which someone becomes dependent on a substance that is psychologically and/or physically dangerous to the drug user as well as those around them. Addiction causes a person to act compulsively and experience a lack of self-control. The condition(s) worsen over time without treatment or changing behavior (such as moving toward recovery). Signs of addiction include inability to stop drug use despite negative consequences, avoidance of activities that were once enjoyable, and behavioral changes such as increased irritability or paranoia. Addiction is typically treated through a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy, one-on-one counseling, social support groups, addiction treatment and rehabilitation centers, and/or medication.
There is no absolute identifier for a drug user. However, your race, income, profession, age, gender, and/or geographic location can influence drug use. For more info on “who is the drug user” follow the link for a two-minute clip: WHO IS THE DRUG USER
Opiate addiction is on the rise in Fulton County. Opiate addiction typically starts with individuals using prescription opioid painkillers which leads to opiate-related drug use such as heroin. In 2014, Fulton County experienced 160 opiate-related deaths with almost half of those from heroin. For more info read the Fulton County District Attorney report: “A Brief Window of Opportunity: Heroin in North Fulton County“.
Click the resource button for more information on treatment options in your community.
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In 2014, Governor Nathan Deal signed the Good Samaritan 911 Medical Amnesty Bill into law which provides limited prosecution immunity to anyone who seeks emergency medical help for an overdose victim. The Bill also allows first responders to carry Narcan. Narcan (Naloxone) is a prescription medication used for the treatment of an opioid overdose or a possible opioid overdose. www.stopoverdoses.com
Syringe exchange programs or needle exchange programs are community-based programs that provide access to sterile needles and syringes free of cost and facilitate safe disposal of used needles and syringes. The Atlanta Harm Reduction Coalition is an Atlanta based community program that offers a needle exchange program.
For more information about needle exchange programs visit: cdc.gov
The Substance Abuse Research Alliance (SARA) estimates the economic burden of opioid overdoses and misuse to be $78.5 billion annually in the US with the majority of that cost coming from healthcare and substance use treatment. What is the economic burden in Georgia? Who is at greatest risk for opioid use? What has the local, state, and federal government done to reduce the number of opioid related deaths? Take a look at the SARA 2017 Prescription Opioids and Heroin Epidemic in Georgia Report.
Click the resource button for more information on treatment options in your community.
Signs of an addiction include an inability to stop using despite negative consequences; developing a tolerance coupled with experiencing withdrawal symptoms; avoidance of activities that were once enjoyable and behavioral changes such as increased irritability or paranoia.
Intervention process involves a group of individuals who are ready to confront an addicted person in an effort to persuade them to seek professional help for their addiction. A drug intervention is a structured, solution-oriented process undertaken to persuade someone who has a problem with drug or alcohol abuse to seek help in overcoming the addiction.
Addiction is a chronic disorder in which someone becomes dependent on a substance or behavior that’s psychologically or physically dangerous and habit-forming. Addiction doesn’t discriminate – it affects people in all walks of life and affects the entire family.
Addiction is typically treated through a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy, treatment centers or rehab, group therapy, one-on-one counseling, social support groups and/or medication. Recovery also addresses the underlying reasons that led to the substance abuse in the first place
Do not fight this fight alone!
Description
With information provided directly from the National Emerging Threats Initiative (NETI) and High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA), this application provides the public and other authorized users with access to information resources, safety information, occupational safety and health information, for safe handling and identification of potentially dangerous drugs. The primary intended users of this app are law enforcement officers who will identify dangerous and illegal substances; but this app will also be available for use by the general public.
Description
Davis’s Drug Guide delivers trusted, regularly updated, and practical information on over 5,000 trade name and generic drugs. Each monograph, with its focus on safety, includes details on pharmacokinetics, dosing, side effects, interactions, assessment, and more. Download this *5-star rated app* for anywhere, anytime access to help you avoid medication errors and provide better patient care. Plus, receive 1-year access to the official DrugGuide.com and regular updates.
Description
Drug abuse is a serious problem that affects almost every community and family in some way. Each year drug abuse results in around 40 million serious illnesses or injuries among people in the United States. This useful app discusses the most important topics in drug abuse and addiction and is ideal for all medical professionals, medical residents and interns, nurses, medical students, and of course curious lay people who just want to learn more about drug abuse and addiction.
” Parents are caught off guard because our kids look so normal to us. It’s such a preventable thing and I don’t want to see others go through what we did.”
