Resources on Prescription Drugs And Over the Counter Medicines Available at Connecticut Clearinghouse For more information about these resources please visit www.ctclearinghouse.org and Audiovisuals click on Resource Catalog or call 8 00. 232.4424 Abusing Over-The-Counter Drugs (DVD) Summary: This program explores the most common abuses of OTC drugs and shows the chemical, biological and psychological damage that can result from abusing these ordinary drugs. Particular attention is paid to DXM, the powerful medication linked to recent deaths of young people across the country. DXM is a legal drug found in many OTCs, but it has the same qualities as drugs considered much more dangerous like heroin. The cold tablet form of this drug is the basis of a new and dangerous form of OTC drug abuse called skittling, which can also result in coma or even death. The dangers of this kind of abuse are brought home through the tragic story of Jennifer Darling, a high school student whose apparent experimentation with the drug was a cause in her own death. Students will also hear a no-nonsense message from a district attorney describing the severe legal consequences teens can receive if found driving or committing a crime while under the influence of these substances. The program also teaches viewers how to carefully read and understand OTC drug labels for active ingredients and potential overdosage. Addiction By Prescription (VHS) Summary: Discover who is misusing prescription medicines and how these addictions may differ from addictions to illicit drugs. Also, learn about how prescription medication abuse is treated in this video. Addiction Caused By Mixing Medicines (VHS) Summary: An addictionologist and a clinical pharmacist explain how mixing prescription medicines can lead to addiction, which drugs are most likely to cause problems, and how to minimize dangers. The Dangerous Frontiers Of Substance Abuse: Look At Alcohol And Drug Use Trends (VHS) Summary: Every year, people find new and often very dangerous ways to get high. Youth are now engaged in what is called robo-tripping. This practice involves the consumption of high volumes of cold medicine, such as Robitussin, which can cause euphoria, hallucinations, and sometimes death. This show looks at the emerging trends related to underage drinking, illicit drug use, and nonmedical use of prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, as well as the challenges and successes of treatment. Last update: July 2009 Legal But Deadly: Abusing Prescription Drugs (DVD) Summary: Prescription drugs like OxyContin, Ritalin, Vicodin, Xanax and codeine based cough syrup are making headlines around the nation as teens continue to abuse these “legal” drugs by crushing the pills and snorting or injecting the powder or drinking the liquid. Studies continue to offer evidence of an emerging problem with OxyContin and Ritalin addiction among young people. Sadly, too many teens don’t realize how dangerous their experimentation can be. This timely video highlights several recent cases of teens that became addicted to prescription drugs and the resulting consequences. Program highlights kids’ false beliefs about these drugs and the all too common belief that because these drugs are prescribed they are therefore safe. On camera physicians also describe the severe side effects of prescription drugs and how these drugs seriously compromise the brain’s functions. The video makes clear that any misuse of a legal drug is not only illegal but, can also be fatal. Looking Forward To Tomorrow: Medical Aspects Of Seniors And Substances (VHS) Summary: An awareness video for older adults and their families focusing on how to maximize your health for the future. This video addresses issues regarding the use of alcohol, prescription and over-the-counter medications to help make every year the best it can be. The OTC: Battling The Over-The-Counter High (VHS) Young people and adults alike are using cough syrups, cough suppressants, motion sickness drugs, and more to get high. During this hour-long program, viewers will hear a variety of perspectives—including a representative from the poison control center network, a retail drug store loss prevention expert and a person in treatment who has struggled with DXM addiction. Viewers will also learn about other potentially dangerous over-the-counter medications and what some stores, consumer healthcare organizations, and communities are doing to help combat the problem. Over-The-Counter Drugs And Human Physiology (VHS) Summary: The average household contains fifteen to twenty over-the-counter medications. Many of these drugs are considered mild, but they can be harmful if misused or consumed in excess. Their misuse can badly affect job performance and driving ability--putting others, as well as the abuser, at risk. Oxycontin And Other Prescription Drugs: Killing The Pain (DVD & VHS) Summary: Health professionals and recovering addicts discuss prescription drug abuse, with a specific focus on the drug Oxycontin. Prescription Drug Abuse: A Prevention Video (VHS) Summary: This video equips teens with important information about prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs : how abuse can affect developing bodies and brains, how to recognize whether a problem exists, and how to find solutions. Prescription Drugs: Killing More Than Pain (VHS) Summary: 1.5 million Americans abused prescription drugs in 2000. By 2002, that number increased by 400% to six million. This video highlights how abusers are getting the drugs and how law enforcement, doctors, and pharmacists are fighting the problem. In addition, recovering addicts, treatment providers, doctors, and robbery victims speak about their experiences. Last update: July 2009 Prescription Drugs: Recovery From The Hidden Addiction (DVD & VHS) Summary: Recovering addicts and treatment professionals, including a physician and registered nurse, share their perspectives on an addiction that is often underreported and overlooked, especially among older adults. In part 1, the viewer learns about effects of combining alcohol with medication. In part 2, the challenges and joys of recovery are explored. Prescription Narcotics: The Addictive Painkillers (VHS) Summary: Details the problems of prescription narcotic use, including the physical effects, history, medical uses and addiction. The Prescription Trap (VHS) Summary: Demonstrates that prescription drugs can be addictive and addicts must be cautious when taking any mood altering chemical. Prescription Trap Update (VHS) Summary: Dr. David Ohlms explains the hidden dangers to recovering addicts who use prescription and non-prescription drugs. Discusses cross-addiction and describes the dynamics of alcohol and other drug withdrawal. Substance Abuse In The Elderly (VHS) Summary: Profiles older Americans dealing with alcohol and prescription drug misuse. Shows some innovative programs created specifically for the elderly. Tranquilizers & Other Depressants (DVD) Summary: Introduces viewers to the history of drugs like barbiturates, benzodiazepines and other substances known as "date rape drugs," and animations explain the effects they have on the chemistry of the brain and the body. First-person testimonies and expert interviews shed light on the long-term physiological effects of these drugs. Uppers And Downers: The Facts About Stimulants And Depressants (DVD) Summary: Talks about the biological impact of using stimulants, including caffeine, ADHD prescription medicines Ritalin and Adderall, nicotine, amphetamines, cocaine, crack, and Ecstasy (MDMA). Discusses depressants, including alcohol, barbiturates and sleeping pills, tranquilizers, Rohypnol and GHB. Books Aging & Addiction: Helping Older Adults Overcome Alcohol Or Medication Dependence / Carol Colleran & Debra Jay Call Number: 618.97 C697 The Antidepressant Sourcebook: A User's Guide For Patients And Families / Andrew L. Morrison Call Number: 616.85 M878 Choosing To Change: A Client-Centered Approach To Alcohol And Medication Use By Older Adults Call Number: 618.97 C5482 Last update: July 2009 Drug Abuse Sourcebook: Basic Consumer Health Information About Illicit Substances Of Abuse And The Diversion Of Prescription Medications / edited by Karen Bellenir Call Number: REF 362.29 D794 Drugs And Drug Abuse: A Reference Text / Bruna Brands, Beth Sproule, Joan Marshman, editors Call Number: REF 616.86 D79423 1998 Impact Of Prescription Drug Diversion Control Systems On Medical Practice And Patient Care / editors, James R. Cooper ... [et al.] Call Number: 362.2912 N277R NO. 131 Mind-Altering Drugs: A Guide To The History, Uses And Effects Of Psychoactive Drugs Call Number: 615.78 M663 1998 Misuse Of Prescription Drugs: Data From The 2002, 2003 And 2004 National Surveys On Drug Use And Health / James D. Colliver Call Number: 362.2912 C713 Pain Killer: A “Wonder” Drug’s Trail Of Addiction And Death / Barry Meier Call Number: 615.7822 M511 Prescription Drug Abuse: The Hidden Epidemic: A Guide To Coping And Understanding / Rod Colvin Call Number: REF 615.78 C652 Prescription Pain Relievers / M. Foster Olive; Consulting Editor, David J. Triggle Call Number: YOUTH 362.299 O48P Safe Medicine For Sober People: How To Avoid Relapsing On Pain, Sleep, Cold, Or Any Other Medication / Jeffrey Weisberg And Gene Hawes The Treatment Of Opioid Dependence / edited by Eric C. Strain and Maxine L. Stitzer Call Number: 616.86 T784O Understanding Addiction As Self Medication: Finding Hope Behind The Pain / Edward J. Khantzian And Mark J. Albanese When Painkillers