L. Drugs of Abuse in the Youth Population: What’s Hot and What’s Not – Distinguished Professor Paul Doering, M.S., College of Pharmacy, University of Florida
Target Audience: All
Presentation Abstract: A host of concerned and dedicated people work in many different ways to combat the problems caused in our youth by the non-medicinal or recreational use of drugs. Among those are law enforcement personnel, probation officers, prosecutors, counselors, teachers, intervention program staff, commitment program staff, and a host of others. At some point in their daily work activities, each will be will be confronted with questions on such topics as the effects of specific drugs or drug categories, warning signs of substance abuse, prevention strategies, and treatment modalities available in their community.
While one’s knowledge base on the types of drugs used may have once been strong, the rate at which young people find new ways to abuse chemical substances makes it necessary for periodic updates. Recent trends towards the increased abuse of prescription and OTC drugs make it necessary to expand one’s familiarity with the drugs tempting today’s youth. Often the drugs being abused go by a variety of slang names which do not immediately identify the agent involved or its corresponding toxicity. It is important for the professional to stay abreast of the current drugs being used and the various conditions under which they are taken.
The goal of this program is to discuss current use patterns of drugs among youthful recreational drug users and their toxic properties. With the information presented the practitioner should be better prepared to respond to question about this topic of growing concern.
Learning Outcomes:
At the completion of this session the attendee should be able to: