Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when a person abuses drugs? Drugs are chemicals. They work in the brain by tapping into its communication system and interfering with the way the nerve cells normally send, receive, and process information, thereby changing the brain and behavior of a person. For a complete description of the way this is accomplished, go to http://teens.drugabuse.gov/drug-facts/brain-and-addiction.
What is the most commonly abused drug today? Prescription pill abuse is the fastest growing drug epidemic in our country, destroying young and old alike.
Tell me more about Prescription Pill abuse. When a local sixteen-year-old overdosed with a combination of prescription pills, our community took action. Partnership for a Drug-Free Community united with law enforcement and Huntsville civic leaders to inform the community about the dangers of prescription pill abuse. This collaborative effort has successfully held seven Take Back events and collected over 6100 pounds of expired pills. Other strategies include town forums, monthly newsletters and health fairs.
Yet, with all these strategies, prescription pill abuse continues to rise, especially with our youth who now buy medications online or who raid their parents and grandparents medicine cabinets.
Do people use heroin today? Yes, according to the Alabama Drug Threat Assessment, heroin use within the state is on the rise. Heroin is cheaper that prescription pills, but the purity of heroin fluctuates, resulting in overdoses. Our youth are susceptible to the harmful effects of heroin. Heroin produces euphoria by binding to receptors on nerve cells in the brain, many of which are located on the ones that regulate breathing. As breathing slows, the brain is depleted of vital oxygen, causing permanent brain damage or death.
How do I safely get rid of expired or unused prescription pills? Twice a year, Partnership collaborates with law enforcement in Huntsville City, Madison City, and Madison County to hold Take-Back Events where you can drop off medication to be disposed of. Between these events, we recommend that you place the pills into kitty litter or used coffee grounds and place in the garbage or utilize a medication drop box at locations around Madison County.
What do I do with old syringes? If they are empty, replace the cap and toss in a Sharp's Container. If there are drugs still in them, you may bring them to a Take-Back event.
Where do I get drug-testing kits? Some local sources include:
Walgreens - on shelves in pharmacy area (brand name "Quick Screen") - cost $19 for 2 panel test (marijuana and cocaine), $30 for 6-panel test, and $40 for 12-panel test.
CVS - on shelves in pharmacy area (brand name "First Check") - cost $18 - $43, depending on the number of drugs you are testing for.
Walmart –on shelves in pharmacy area (brand name “First Check”) – cost $13 - $36, depending on the number of drugs you are testing for.
Neaves Davis Center – (For Youth under 18) – 256-532-0300 - Come by and pick up a test and they will show you how to read.
Bradford Health Services – 256-461-7272 – 24-hour crisis center offering on-site testing with a consultation.
Lab Corps of America - 256-882-1103 – by physician referral only – no appointment needed – drug screens done 9:00am – 4:00pm (333 Whitesport, Suite #202 – next to Crestwood Hospital).
DrugProof - 256-533-1515 - Randomized drug testing services. For more info go to www.drugproof.net.
Is meth still around today? Definitely!! A large amount of meth today is produced in one-pot labs and can be made using common household products and over-the-counter medications. Meth is very dangerous to the producer and to those breathing the toxic fumes from the labs, especially to children. If you see, smell, or suspect a meth lab, call the Strategic Counter-Drug Team at 256-427-5456.
What are SPICE and Bath Salts? Synthetic drugs, such as Spice, have become more popular, and are smoked as an alternative to marijuana. Bath Salts, such as Ivory Wave, are consumed as synthetic methamphetamine. Both of these are illegal and both are as dangerous or more so than the original chemicals.
What are some signs and symptoms of use and abuse of drugs? Some signs and symptoms include impaired social and occupational functioning, impaired memory, anxiety, depression, aggressive behavior, social withdrawal, fatigue, slurred speech, incoordination, impaired attention or memory, talkativeness, tension, restlessness, anger, fighting, paranoia, and drowsiness. This list does not represent all signs and symptoms. The degree or extent any one individual may display signs and symptoms of abuse can vary depending upon the drug of choice and the individual body's response.
What happens when a person takes drugs after having been through rehab? Rehab can be lifesaving and it helps many addicts get clean for good. But, addicts can have an increased risk of a fatal overdose in the period after leaving rehab because their bodies are no longer able to tolerate high doses of drugs, doctors say. Addicts develop a tolerance over time, so they need larger amounts of the drug to get high. Their bodies become able to withstand large amounts of a drug. Once those drugs are cleared from the person's system, taking a big dose all at once can prove fatal.
What is the most commonly abused drug today? Prescription pill abuse is the fastest growing drug epidemic in our country, destroying young and old alike.
Tell me more about Prescription Pill abuse. When a local sixteen-year-old overdosed with a combination of prescription pills, our community took action. Partnership for a Drug-Free Community united with law enforcement and Huntsville civic leaders to inform the community about the dangers of prescription pill abuse. This collaborative effort has successfully held seven Take Back events and collected over 6100 pounds of expired pills. Other strategies include town forums, monthly newsletters and health fairs.
Yet, with all these strategies, prescription pill abuse continues to rise, especially with our youth who now buy medications online or who raid their parents and grandparents medicine cabinets.
Do people use heroin today? Yes, according to the Alabama Drug Threat Assessment, heroin use within the state is on the rise. Heroin is cheaper that prescription pills, but the purity of heroin fluctuates, resulting in overdoses. Our youth are susceptible to the harmful effects of heroin. Heroin produces euphoria by binding to receptors on nerve cells in the brain, many of which are located on the ones that regulate breathing. As breathing slows, the brain is depleted of vital oxygen, causing permanent brain damage or death.
How do I safely get rid of expired or unused prescription pills? Twice a year, Partnership collaborates with law enforcement in Huntsville City, Madison City, and Madison County to hold Take-Back Events where you can drop off medication to be disposed of. Between these events, we recommend that you place the pills into kitty litter or used coffee grounds and place in the garbage or utilize a medication drop box at locations around Madison County.
What do I do with old syringes? If they are empty, replace the cap and toss in a Sharp's Container. If there are drugs still in them, you may bring them to a Take-Back event.
Where do I get drug-testing kits? Some local sources include:
Walgreens - on shelves in pharmacy area (brand name "Quick Screen") - cost $19 for 2 panel test (marijuana and cocaine), $30 for 6-panel test, and $40 for 12-panel test.
CVS - on shelves in pharmacy area (brand name "First Check") - cost $18 - $43, depending on the number of drugs you are testing for.
Walmart –on shelves in pharmacy area (brand name “First Check”) – cost $13 - $36, depending on the number of drugs you are testing for.
Neaves Davis Center – (For Youth under 18) – 256-532-0300 - Come by and pick up a test and they will show you how to read.
Bradford Health Services – 256-461-7272 – 24-hour crisis center offering on-site testing with a consultation.
Lab Corps of America - 256-882-1103 – by physician referral only – no appointment needed – drug screens done 9:00am – 4:00pm (333 Whitesport, Suite #202 – next to Crestwood Hospital).
DrugProof - 256-533-1515 - Randomized drug testing services. For more info go to www.drugproof.net.
Is meth still around today? Definitely!! A large amount of meth today is produced in one-pot labs and can be made using common household products and over-the-counter medications. Meth is very dangerous to the producer and to those breathing the toxic fumes from the labs, especially to children. If you see, smell, or suspect a meth lab, call the Strategic Counter-Drug Team at 256-427-5456.
What are SPICE and Bath Salts? Synthetic drugs, such as Spice, have become more popular, and are smoked as an alternative to marijuana. Bath Salts, such as Ivory Wave, are consumed as synthetic methamphetamine. Both of these are illegal and both are as dangerous or more so than the original chemicals.
What are some signs and symptoms of use and abuse of drugs? Some signs and symptoms include impaired social and occupational functioning, impaired memory, anxiety, depression, aggressive behavior, social withdrawal, fatigue, slurred speech, incoordination, impaired attention or memory, talkativeness, tension, restlessness, anger, fighting, paranoia, and drowsiness. This list does not represent all signs and symptoms. The degree or extent any one individual may display signs and symptoms of abuse can vary depending upon the drug of choice and the individual body's response.
What happens when a person takes drugs after having been through rehab? Rehab can be lifesaving and it helps many addicts get clean for good. But, addicts can have an increased risk of a fatal overdose in the period after leaving rehab because their bodies are no longer able to tolerate high doses of drugs, doctors say. Addicts develop a tolerance over time, so they need larger amounts of the drug to get high. Their bodies become able to withstand large amounts of a drug. Once those drugs are cleared from the person's system, taking a big dose all at once can prove fatal.