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Prescription Drugs

Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications

Some medications have psychoactive (mind-altering) properties and, because of that, are sometimes abused—that is, taken for reasons or in ways or amounts not intended by a doctor, or taken by someone other than the person for whom they are prescribed. In fact, prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are, after marijuana (and alcohol), the most commonly abused substances by Americans 14 and older.

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Nationwide Trends

A major source of information on sub-stance use, abuse, and dependence among Americans aged 12 and older is the annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Following are facts and statistics on substance use in America from 2011, the most recent year for which NSDUH survey data have been analyzed.

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Los medicamentos con y sin prescripción médica

Algunos medicamentos tienen propiedades psicoactivas (que alteran la mente) y por esto hay personas que abusan de ellos. Esto quiere decir que los toman por alguna razón diferente o de manera y en cantidades diferentes a las que indicó el médico, o los toman cuando fueron recetados para otra persona. De hecho, después de la marihuana y el alcohol, los medicamentos con o sin prescripción médica son las sustancias que con más frecuencia abusan las personas que viven en los Estados Unidos de 14 años de edad y mayores.

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Substance Abuse among the Military, Veterans, and their Families

Scope of the problem

The ongoing operations in Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom) and Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom) continue to strain military personnel, returning veterans, and their families. Some have experienced long and multiple deployments, combat exposure, and physical injuries, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI).

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Prescription Drug Abuse

Prescription drug abuse is the intentional use of a medication without a prescription; in a way other than as prescribed; or for the experience or feeling it causes. It is not a new problem, but one that deserves renewed attention. For although prescription drugs can be powerful allies, they also pose serious health risks related to their abuse.

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Recomendaciones

Foto de estudiantes levantando sus manos

Recuerde que nadie conoce a sus hijos mejor que usted. Es importante que hable con ellos sobre los riesgos comprobados a la salud que pueden resultar de usar drogas.

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Información sobre los medicamentos de prescripción

Foto de varios medicamentos de prescripción

Las clases de medicamentos de prescripción que se abusan comúnmente incluyen los opioides, los depresores del sistema nervioso central que también se conocen como "sedantes" o "tranquilizantes" y los estimulantes.

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Studies on Combat Related Substance Use and Abuse to be Funded by NIH and VA

Eleven research institutions in 11 states will receive more than $6 million in federal funding from fiscal year 2010 to support research on substance abuse and associated problems among U.S. military personnel, veterans, and their families.

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NIDA Blending Conference Launches New Training Approach for Young Adults Addicted to Opioids

A multi-faceted treatment program for young adults addicted to opioid drugs was unveiled today at the National Institute on Drug Abuse's (NIDA) Blending Conference in Albuquerque, N.M.

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From Theory into Practice: NIDA's Blending Conference Highlights the Latest in Drug Abuse Treatment

The newest drug addiction treatment approaches will be on display at the National Institute on Drug Abuse's eighth Blending Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico on April 22-23.

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