Wyoming Rx Abuse Stakeholders
News
Study Signals Importance of Monitoring & Screening for Stimulant Misuse in Schools
April 25, 2023
Researchers have identified a strong association between prevalence of prescription stimulant therapy for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and rates of prescription stimulant misuse (taken in a way other than as directed by a clinician) by students in middle and high schools.
DEA Reports Widespread Threat of Fentanyl Mixed with Xylazine
March 27, 2023
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued a public safety alert warning consumers about a substantial increase in trafficking of fentanyl mixed with xylazine, a sedative FDA approved for veterinary use. Use of xylazine puts users at a higher risk of fatal drug poisoning. Xylazine is not an opioid, so naloxone is not effective for reversing the drug's effects.
Events
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is raising awareness about the importance of mental health in the lives of all Americans.
May 20-24, 2023
2023 Annual Meeting - American Psychiatric Association (APA)
APA's Annual Meeting offers 600+ educational sessions, 50+ topics and 20+ paid courses. Learn the latest in effective clinical practice and research advancements, and earn educational credits.
June 15, 2023
Wyoming Drug Information Opportunity Symposium - Wyoming State Capitol Auditorium
The Overdose Response Strategy is an unprecedented and unique collaboration between public health and public safety, created to help local communities reduce drug overdoses and save lives by sharing timely data, pertinent intelligence and innovative strategies.
Facts
DEA collected more than 647,000 pounds of unwanted or unneeded medications during the October 2022 National Prescription Drug Take Back.
Pharmaceutical fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, approved for treating severe pain, typically advanced cancer pain. It is 50-100 times more potent than morphine. Most recent cases of fentanyl-related harm, overdose, and death in the U.S. are linked to illegally made fentanyl.
The "They Didn't Know" campaign provides education on the many things teens and young adults should know about prescription drugs.
The Wyoming Department of Health and the Wyoming Survey & Analysis Center's Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Toolkit is a resource for stakeholders engaged in prevention efforts.
Get Involved
In 2008, prescription drug overdose deaths in Wyoming were at an unprecedented and dramatic all-time high. The alarming number of deaths were impacting people of all walks of life, in every corner of our state. Unlike many other “street drugs” like methamphetamine & cocaine, prescription drug abuse was destroying and taking lives. Law enforcement, health officials, and many others were trying to understand the cause and how best to combat this emerging crisis. In response, a handful of stakeholders decided it was time to bring together the best expertise possible to help address this significant public health and safety issue. Since 2008, the Wyoming Rx Abuse Stakeholders (RAS) members from across Wyoming have gathered to discuss the origin & scope of the problem, prevention measures and solutions, education strategies, and tools and resources to curb this serious problem. Today, with the assistance of many people throughout the State, the RAS task force diligently continues their effort to protect the people of Wyoming from the real dangers of prescription medication abuse and misuse.
If you would like information about the RAS or are interested in joining the task force, please click the link below to contact us.
Fact #1
On October 26, 2017, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared the opioid crisis a national emergency.
Fact #2
A person who takes a controlled prescription medication that was not prescribed for them by a medical professional can potentially be fined or put in jail.
Fact #3
Non-medical use of stimulants for cognitive enhancement poses potential health risks, including addiction, cardiovascular events, and psychosis.
They Didn't Know Education Campaign
The "They Didn't Know" campaign provides education on the many things teens and young adults should know about prescription drugs. Be in the know, and find out more about prescription and opioid abuse and misuse by following "They Didn't Know" at https://theydidntknowwyo.org/
