Prescription Drug Misuse Prevention

What is Prescription Drug Misuse?

Prescription drug misuse is the non-medical use of prescription drugs, which includes taking them for purposes other than their intended use, using them without a valid prescription or using them in a manner or dosage other than prescribed.

How can Prescription Drug Misuse be Harmful?

Misusing prescription drugs can lead to serious side effects for both mental and physical health, as well as medical consequences such as increased potential for dependence, addiction and overdose.

Safer Use of Prescription Drugs

Safe Storage and Disposal

• Store your prescription drugs securely and do not share them with others.
• Bring expired or unused medication to your local pharmacy or pharmaceutical disposal location for safe disposal. Learn more about disposal.
• Do not share any of your prescribed medications.

Consult a Healthcare Provider

• Discuss any concerns and/or potential interactions with other substances or medications that you may be using with your healthcare provider.
• Read your medication label instructions carefully and only take medications as prescribed.
• Monitor how your body responds to your medications. If you experience side effects, contact your healthcare provider.

Prevent Overdose

• Carry Narcan, the nasal spray version of naloxone, a medication used to reverse the effects of overdose. Narcan is available for free and anonymously for UT Austin students, faculty and staff. Learn about Narcan and where to access it.
• Call for help if you believe someone has overdosed. Learn about what to do in case of drug overdose and UT Austin’s Student Amnesty for Alcohol and Drug Emergencies policy.

Prescription Stimulants

What are Prescription Stimulants?

Stimulants are medications that “speed up” the body’s functions and include medications such as:

• ADHD medications, like Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Focalin, Concerta and Dexedrine
• Weight loss medications, like phentermine
• Narcolepsy medications, like armodafinil (Nuvigil) and modafinil (Provigil)

How Do Prescription Stimulants Work?

Prescription stimulants boost the brain’s levels of chemicals that influence energy, focus, mood and behavior. For people with certain diagnosed conditions, prescription stimulants help the brain function more normally. They are not meant to enhance performance, but to support regular functioning.

Why Do People Take Prescription Stimulants?

Some people take medications prescribed for conditions like ADHD or narcolepsy. Others use them to feel a rush or euphoria, to experiment, to socialize more easily, to lose weight, or to boost the effects of other substances. Some people also use stimulants because they believe it will help them perform better in school or other tasks. Stimulants should only be taken as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Does the use of prescription stimulants enhance academic performance?

Using prescription stimulants without an ADHD diagnosis has not been shown to improve academic performance. There is no evidence that taking these medications without a prescription will raise someone’s grades.

Resources for Prescription Drug Misuse

There are safer, long-term solutions to the common reasons prescription medications are misused. On-campus resources that can provide support include:

• Sanger Learning Center offers tutoring, help with study strategies and time management tips.
• Counseling and Mental Health Center provides support through assessment and referral, group and individual counseling, psychiatry and well-being services. CMHC also has a Substance Use Support Team.
• University Health Services provides medical care and patient education to students at The University of Texas at Austin.
• The Longhorn Wellness Center offers resources, education, student involvement opportunities and more to support student well-being.
• Center for Students in Recovery provides a supportive community where students in recovery and in hope of recovery can achieve academic success while enjoying a genuine college experience free from alcohol and other drugs.
• SHIFT engages the community in dialogue that changes the culture of campus substance use from one of misuse to one of well-being.
• Operation Naloxone educates and empowers the UT Austin community to reduce opioid overdoses and overdose deaths through naloxone access, distribution and education.