MAMA Publications

"Drug Consumer Safety Guidelines

and

"Using Alcohol Responsibly"     
 

Over the last seventy years, the number of drugs that can be obtained has increased tremendously. While the term "drug culture" may have been appropriate for the 1960’s, a better phrase for 2002 might be "drug technology".

Granted, this technology has improved the quality of life for many and extended life for countless others. However, due to improper education, it can also cause great harm.

There are currently more than 100,000 brand name prescription drugs and 300,000 over-the-counter brand names available in drug stores. Use of alcohol, tobacco and caffeine products is extensive.

Many of these products are extensively marketed to medical professionals and the public. Prescription drugs, once merchandised only to doctors and pharmacists, are now aggressively promoted to the general public. Retail drugs sold over-the-counter are advertised to people in the electronic and print media. Advertisements for alcohol, nicotine and caffeine are widespread and until recently, governmental subsidies encouraged production of tobacco for public consumption. Seniors, due to declining health and physiology, may be more susceptible to side effects and adverse reactions. People also choose to use unregulated, illegal drugs, which have additional health and legal risks.

The increase in types and numbers of drugs has NOT been accompanied by an increase in decision-making skills that could reduce drug misuse and abuse. Most of the public has little access to accurate information on these substances.

All drugs are capable of producing side effects and adverse reactions that put the consumer at risk.

The best that can be obtained in any drug-use situation is a reduction of risk.

REDUCING THE RISK

In order to make a responsible decision; one must first determine what chemical is being considered.

Once known, one can evaluate the benefit versus the risk of taking the drug.

If the drug is to be taken, the guidelines will offer assistance in identifying and avoiding possible negative effects.

Drug Consumer Safety Guidelines

1. Identify the name of the chemical.

2. Determine where is it working in your body (main effects, side effects and adverse reactions).

3. Understand the correct dosage and administration.

4. Realize what drug interactions will occur with what you eat, drink or other drugs you may be using.

5. Know if allergic reactions can occur, the symptoms and when to seek help.

6. Question if it can produce tolerance and know the signs.

7. Determine if it can produce drug dependence.

Click here for a printable poster showing these rules (Adobe Acrobat required)

The Drug Consumer Safety Handbook explains the guidelines, teaching people a thought process that is designed to reduce the harm from side effects and adverse reactions.

MAMA also has available a variety of computer generated, animated presentations by Mark Miller and/or Sandee Burbank .

"Using Alcohol Responsibly"

This booklet applies the Guidelines to the use of Alcohol and teaches the "One Drink Per Hour Rule'.

It starts with a warning that certain people are at increased risk of alcoholism and tells about the risks of using alcohol in a variety of circumstances, i.e. while pregnant, when driving or engaged in outdoor activity.

It teaches how to determine your blood alcohol content based on your body weight and warns that binge drinking can cause death.

A discussion of responsible hosting offers good advise on avoiding legal liability.

This book is a must read for anyone considering using alcohol for the first time or to reduce the risks any time you drink.