DrugFreeAZKids.org understands the importance of communicating with your children. We want to share the necessary tools and information with you for starting these important conversations. Talking with your child about the dangers of drugs can reduce the chance of them using by up to 50 percent. This is why we bring you a series of regular blog posts, each focusing on a specific drug. It will cover the drug’s common names, effects and the important details parents should know.
Today’s post in our 411 Drug Series examines prescription painkillers.
What is it and what does it look like?
Prescription painkillers are found in the form of tablets and capsules.
Other street names?
· Vicodin
· Vics
· Vike
· Killers
· Vitamin V
· Oxy
· Percocet
· Percs
· Hillbilly Heroin
· Oxycotton
· Oxy
· Hydrocodone
· OC
· Oxycodone
· Hydrocodone Bitartrate
· Poor Man’s Heroin
· Codeine
What are the short-and long-term effects?
· Respiratory depression
· Constipation
· Nausea
· Vomiting
· Dizziness
· Weakness
· Analgesia
· Headache
· Dry mouth
· Sedation
· Drowsiness
· Mood changes
· Anxiety
· Fear
· Skin rash
· Decreased mental and physical abilities
· Hearing loss
What every parent should know?
A large single dose can cause severe respiratory depression that can lead to death. Rates of non-legal use of prescription drugs continue to be high among teens because they are prescribed by a doctor and are seen as safe, sanctioned and sanitized.
The mission of DrugFreeAZKids.org is to provide parents with the information they need to educate their kids about dangerous substances. In addition to this blog series, we offer other valuable tools, such as webinars and evidence-based workshops to help parents raise healthy, drug-free children.
To learn more about how to prevent drug and alcohol use by teens, visit DrugFreeAZKids.org.
