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Substance Use & Prevention
Prescription Drugs
It may surprise many to learn that substance abuse often begins with misusing prescription drugs. Prescription drug misuse is the use of a medication without a prescription, in a way other than prescribed, or for the experience or feelings elicited.
Prescription drugs that are commonly misused or abused include opioid pain medications, such as Oxycontin, Vicodin and Percocet. Stimulants, such as Ritalin and Adderall, and sedatives, such as Xanax and Valium and Ativan, are also commonly abused prescriptions. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has created several videos in collaboration with local families.
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse - of both prescription drugs and illicit drugs - is an ongoing public health concern in Lowell, as it is throughout the country. The Lowell Public Health division works with a wide network of health, safety and educational organizations throughout the city and the region to address the issues around substance abuse.
Our goals are to:
- Provide credible and accurate information.
- Provide outreach education.
- Prevent overdose and death.
- Connect users and families with treatment options.
- Work to ensure adequate treatment options to meet the needs of the community.
- Work to effect changes to social norms.
- Promote understanding of drug addiction as a disease.
- Provide for proper disposal of unwanted medications and sharps (needles).
Resources
Please visit Drug Free Greater Lowell for substance abuse information including resources.
Learn more about Sharps (Needles) Disposal.
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Dealing With Opioids in Our Community
Opioids include common pain medications (e.g., Oxycontin, Vicodin, Percocet, etc.) and illegal drugs (e.g., Heroin), which are often abused and have become significant problems nationally, as well as in our own community.
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Narcan Information
Learn more about Narcan including what to do in the event of an overdose and who to contact for an at-risk person.
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Substance Abuse Video Library
View videos about Substance Abuse including the Face of Addiction, No Me - Not My child, Addiction Resources, and more.
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Unwanted Medication Disposal
The number 1 place teens say they start experimenting with drugs is from his or her medicine cabinet or the cabinet of a friend. The City of Lowell now has a secured unwanted medication drop off kiosk located at the Lowell Police Department.