Resources
While the focus of your prescription program should be on controlling the presence of prescription drugs in your school, it is also critical to inform students, staff, and parents about the hazards of taking prescription drugs without medical supervision.
This website includes basic information for teachers, school nurses, counselors, and parents.
For additional resources for students, visit Drug Prevention Toolkit: Proper Use of Prescription Drugs for a science-based prescription drug prevention program.
Glossary of Terms
Drug diversion
Giving, sharing, or selling one’s own prescription and obtaining, sharing, or selling prescription drugs from another source
Prescription drug abuse
The use of prescription drugs in ways other than the intended (prescribed) purpose
Prescription drug
A drug that can only be legally obtained from a pharmacy with a prescription from a registered medical practitioner
Comprehensive diversion-prevention program (CDPP)
Builds upon existing school policies and procedures to address prescription drug diversion and abuse
Medical practitioner
A professional who has extensive medical training and is licensed to practice medicine (i.e. medical doctor, physician’s assistant, dentist)
Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act (FD&C):
Defines what drugs require a prescription and what professionals are authorized to write prescriptions for these drugs
Controlled substances
Substances that are scheduled, includes commonly abused prescription drugs because of their strength and effect of the brain such as painkillers, stimulants, and depressants
Controlled Substances Act (CSA):
Regulates the manufacture, importation, possession, use, and distribution of certain substances, including prescription drugs
Schedules
Classifications of substances based on potential for abuse, currently accepted medical use in the United States, and international treaties
Non-controlled substances
Substances that are not scheduled, includes rarely abused prescription drugs such as cholesterol medication, antibiotics, and insulin
Opioid painkiller
A controlled prescription drug that is commonly prescribed to treat pain following major surgeries and injuries
Depressant
A controlled prescription drug that is commonly prescribed to treat severe anxiety, stress disorders, panic attacks, and sleep disorders
Stimulant
A controlled prescription drug that is commonly prescribed to treat Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
Supply-side approach
Reduces the drugs available for abuse
Opportunistic abusers
A users who may use a drug because of the ease of obtaining or availability of the drug
Medication management plan (MMP)
A set of policies or guidelines related to students who take prescription or over-the-counter medications at school
Zero tolerance policies
Orders mandatory, preset punishments for violating major school disciplinary rules
Target audiences
set of persons who serve as the focal point for a particular program or service
‘As needed’ medication
Medication used only when needed for a specific situation (i.e. if a child has an asthma attack)
Infraction
Violation of a rule or set of rules
Task force
A group established to work on a single defined task or activity
Leadership team
A team that meets regularly to coordinate tasks and issues and focuses on long term issues
Committee
A group of people chosen to do a particular job or make decisions about a particular issue
Stakeholder
Anyone who is invested in the welfare and success of a school and its students, including school administrators, teachers, school nurses, counselors, staff members, students, parents, community members, and elected officials (i.e. school board members)
