"Nonmedical Prescription Opioid Use in Childhood and Early Adolescence Predicts Transitions to Heroin Use in Young Adulthood” - Journal of Pediatrics (2015)
WHAT YOU CAN DO
WATCH OUT FOR PRESCRIPTION MISUSE
- Experimenting or sharing
- Ignoring label directions
- Combining unknown drugs
- Taking meds to get high
LOOK FOR WARNING SIGNS
- Changes in physical appearance
- Loss of interest or motivation
- Different friends or activities
- Unexplained pills or paraphernalia
DON’T MAKE IT EASY
- Track and secure all medications
- Block access to online drug sources
- Properly dispose of unused medication
KNOW THE STREET NAMES OF OPIOIDS
- Oxycodone: Hillbilly Heroin, Kicker, OC, Ox, Roxy, Perc, Oxy
- Heroin: Big H, Black Tar, Chiva, Hell Dust, Horse, Negra, Smack, Thunder
- Hydromorphone (Dilaudid): D, Dillies, Dust, Footballs, Juice, Smack
- Fentanyl (or laced): Apace, China Girl, China Town, China White, Dance Fever, Goodfellas, Great Bear, He-Man, Poison and Tango & Cash
- Methadone: Amidone, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Fizzies, Maria, Pastora, Salvia, Street Methadone, Water
- Morphine: Dreamer, Emsel, First Line, God’s Drug, Hows, MS, Mister Blue, Morpho, Unkie
- Opium: Aunti, Aunti Emma, Big O, Black pill, Chandu, Chinese Molasses, Dopium, Dream Gun, Fi-do-nie, Gee, Guma, Midnight Oil, Zero
- U-47700: U4, Pink, Pinky
ASK
If a doctor prescribes an opioid painkiller, ask him or her if there is another, less additicting option:
- “Can we try getting by with something that’s no quite as strong – like Motrin?”
If the doctor insists on prescribing it:
- “What’s the least amount we can get by with?”
If you really do need strong pain medication:
- “Are these safe to cut in half?”
IF YOU HAVE A PRESCRIPTION
- Take the medication exactly as prescribed.
- Don’t share medication or take something for an issue it’s not prescribed for.
- Keep your medications secure and always know how much you have.
- Never mix opiates with alcohol or other drugs. This significantly increases the risk of overdose and death.
IF YOU NEED HELP
Get support. Talk to your health care provider, school counselor, prevention/treatment professional, friends or family.
Tuolumne County Behavioral Health: 209-533-6245
See Youth Resources & Treatment Options >
Adapted from Ventura County Behavioral Health / www.venturacountyresponds.org