I'm a Teen/Young Adult. What Can I Do?

Did you know?

 YOU are one of the most powerful forces in preventing or reversing a friend's drug abuse?

In 2017, more than 47,600 people died in the United States from opioid abuse!

What are opioids?

They're "Oxy," "Vikes," and "Percs." But when they're not called by street names, they're:

• Codeine
• Dilaudid
• Fentanyl
• Heroin
• Hydrocodone
• Methadone
• Morphine
• Oxycodone
• Oxycontin®
• Percocet®
• Tramadol
• Vicodin®

Why YOUR choices matter. #ResistTheRisk

You know you should say no to taking pills for fun or to get high, but it can be hard when you're up against some tough social factors, like: 

• Individuals in the entertainment industry who flaunt or glorify misusing pain pills give the impression that it's ok or worth the risk.
• Classmates who pressure others to risk their lives for a brief high. 
• Pill parties that encourage taking unprescribed pills for "fun." 

But, misusing pills is not cool.

It can cause nausea, constipation, and sexual dysfunction.

"Mixing alcohol and prescription pain pills can cause unconsciousness, coma and potential death."

And, it's illegal to share, sell or use prescription drugs that weren't prescribed to you.

If it doesn't land you in jail - or kill you - it can definitely ruin your life in other ways:

Misusing opioids can literally alter your brain! 

Dependence can be a lifelong struggle, requiring daily medication for treatment.

And if you are arrested for possessing (or selling) drugs, you can be convicted of a drug offense.

You could lose your right to vote.

Drug abuse also has a devastating impact on families and friends. Watch this video of parents, siblings and friends who have lost their children and brothers and sisters to prescription pain pill and heroin overdoses. Their grief is extraordinary.

You're probably thinking, heroin? I'd never do that. 

80% of heroin users reported misusing prescription pills before they started heroin (Drugfree.org).

You don't know how your body will respond to taking prescription pain pills to get high.

That's why they're called "prescription opioids." They need to be prescribed and responsibly administered by a doctor. 

Are You or a Friend or Loved One in Need of Treatment?

Massachusetts Substance Abuse Helpline - 800-327-5050

SAMHSA: Substance Abuse Treatment Services Locator

#ResistTheRisk is sponsored by the U.S. Attorney's Office - District of Massachusetts