Prescription drug abuse

Overview

Prescription drug abuse, also known as prescription drug misuse, is the use of a prescription medicine in a way not intended by the prescriber. This can include taking a friend's prescription painkiller for a backache, snorting or injecting ground-up pills to get high, or taking medication that was prescribed for someone else. Prescription drug abuse is a serious problem that can affect anyone, regardless of age, and can have severe consequences for the individual and their loved ones.

Types of Prescription drug abuse

There are several types of prescription drugs that are commonly misused, including:

1. Opioid painkillers: These drugs are prescribed to treat pain and can include medications such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and codeine.
2. Anti-anxiety medications: These drugs are prescribed to treat anxiety and can include medications such as benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam and clonazepam.
3. Sedatives: These drugs are prescribed to treat insomnia and can include medications such as zolpidem and eszopiclone.
4. Stimulants: These drugs are prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and can include medications such as methylphenidate and amphetamine.

Causes of Prescription drug abuse

Prescription drug abuse can occur for a variety of reasons, including:

1. Pain management: Prescription painkillers may be used recreationally or taken in larger doses than intended.
2. Anxiety or stress relief: Prescription anti-anxiety medications may be used to self-medicate or to cope with stress or anxiety.
3. Sleep aid: Prescription sedatives may be used to fall asleep or to stay asleep.
4. Experimentation: Some individuals may experiment with prescription drugs to get high or to feel a sense of euphoria.

Risk Factors of Prescription drug abuse

Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing prescription drug abuse, including:

1. Family history: Individuals with a family history of substance use disorder may be more likely to develop prescription drug abuse.
2. Mental health: Individuals with mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety may be more likely to develop prescription drug abuse.
3. Social environment: Individuals who are exposed to substance use in their social environment may be more likely to develop prescription drug abuse.
4. Accessibility: Individuals who have access to prescription drugs, such as through a friend or family member, may be more likely to develop prescription drug abuse.

Symptoms of Prescription drug abuse

Preventions of Prescription drug abuse

Prevention is key in addressing prescription drug abuse. Strategies for prevention include:

1. Education: Educating individuals about the risks and dangers of prescription drug abuse can help prevent its development.
2. Monitoring: Monitoring individuals who are prescribed medication can help prevent misuse.
3. Access control: Controlling access to prescription drugs can help prevent misuse.

Diagnosis of Prescription drug abuse

Diagnosis and evaluation of prescription drug abuse typically involve a combination of:

1. Medical history: A thorough medical history to assess symptoms and risk factors.
2. Physical examination: A physical examination to assess the individual's overall health and any signs of substance use disorder.
3. Psychological evaluation: A psychological evaluation to assess the individual's mental health and any signs of addiction.

Treatment for Prescription drug abuse

Treatment and management of prescription drug abuse typically involve a combination of:

1. Medications: Medications such as buprenorphine or methadone may be used to treat opioid addiction.
2. Behavioral therapy: Behavioral therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) may be used to address underlying issues and develop coping strategies.
3. Support groups: Support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) may be used to provide support and accountability.

When to seek medical attention ?

If you are experiencing symptoms of prescription drug abuse, it is essential to seek medical attention.