Perscription drug abuse - Research Paper Example

? Prescription Drug Abuse This paper gives a brief introduction on prescription drug abuse; its effects, dangers and preventive measures will also be discussed in detail. Introduction The term, prescription drug abuse refers to the situation where there is drug intake without the prescription or in the other case, taking it in for different reasons or dosages other than the prescribed ones. This can lead to drug addiction and also has adverse effects on health and physical appearance. Medicines that most commonly come under the criteria of drug abuse are pain killers, anti depressants and stimulants. Usually individuals take medicines for the causes their consultants prescribe them however studies have shown that approximately 20% individuals in the United States of America use medicines other than the reasons that have been prescribed to them. As far as the statistical figures are concerned, it is a grave situation and a growing problem. (Karla, 30) Experts still haven’t been able to figure out the actual reason behind this kind of drug abuse. The two likely possibilities may be that doctors prescribe more medicines for their patients than is actually required; secondly online purchase of medicines has made it easier and convenient for people to buy drugs especially for teenagers. Where some pharmacies follow the legitimate path and do not provide medicines without prescription, however some pharmacies distribute drugs without proper prescription, validation and verification making the drugs more approachable hence contributing towards this growing issue. Drug abuse does not only lead to addiction and instability it can also give rise to harmful chemical reactions which can occur in the body due to medicine intake in inappropriate quantity. To avoid this, all prescriptions should be obtained from one pharmacy so that minimum risk is involved secondly using others prescription should be strictly avoided even in cases of similar condition. (Jeremy, 25) Effects of Prescription Drug Abuse Prescription drug abuse affects different parts of the body which includes body, brain and physical appearance of the individual who is involved in drug abuse. Effects on Brain and Body The drugs that are directly related to the problem of drug abuse are opioids, CNS (central nervous system) stimulants depressants that are most commonly used to pacify and ease the nervous system in case of anxiety. Opioids are drugs that are used to relieve pain of both moderate as well as severe level. OxyContin and Vicodin fall in the category of opioids; these medicines attach themselves to the brain and body cells particularly the ones in the spinal cord, brain area and gastrointestinal zone making them numb so that the pain awareness is obstructed. These drugs can also raise the level of dope in the brain which gives a feeling of immense pleasure and in other cases where it is snorted by the abusers, intensifies the feeling of euphoria which can lead to severe medical consequences which includes nausea which consequently leads to vomiting, mood swings, decrease in the activities of brain, seizures, coma and numbness. Combination of opioids with alcohol and other CNS depressants can further aggravate the situation. (Rod, 56) Central nervous system depressants as the name indicates is used to treat anxiety, insomnia, feeling of fear or panic, severe stress responses and seizures. The medicines that lie in this category are Valium, Xanax and Librium; they act directly on GABA, an acid which is present in the brain. GABA in turn retards the brain activity to some extent which is exactly why it is used to deal with problems of anxiety and sleep disorders. It pacifies the brain activity due to which the patients experience a soothing effect and drowsiness. However if this medicine is used in inappropriate amount and special care is not taken during its use can result in respiratory seizure which ultimately leads to death. Not only the abuse or overdose of depressants result in severe situations but they can also be hazardous if not used in the proper way for example if their use is stopped or increased rapidly; a check and balance system should be maintained. (Howard, 320) Stimulants are designed to cater to ADHD problems i.e. attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Ritalin, Concerta and Adderall are stimulants that are most commonly used in this regard. Where CNS depressants work to decrease the activity of the brain, stimulants work in a completely different manner, they have an effect quite similar to that of caffeine only that it is much stronger. Ritalin and a few other stimulants are most commonly abused and are used with cocaine which also acts on the similar parts of the brain activating it which produces a hyperactive affect on the user making them high. For those who use stimulants with a combination of cocaine very frequently can suffer from high body temperature, spasms and complications related to heart. The usage of depressants in irregular intervals or over dosage in short period of time may make the user hyper and violent. Addiction is also one of the problems that have resulted due to misuse of these drugs and the patients find themselves ending up in rehabs. The threats associated with drug abuse can be worsened if they are not taken in the prescribed manner as mentioned above. For instance, Ritalin is used to treat children with problems of ADHD but if it is used by adults in an inappropriate manner such as snorting or injecting, its results are not the same as they would be if taken according to the prescription. (Richard, 250) Reasons Individuals Engage in Drug Abuse Drug abuse starts as an entertaining activity and often leads to severe situations and results. There are a number of reasons individuals involve in drug abuse, some of them are discussed below: Experimental Use This usually starts due to peer pressure or for the sake of enjoyment and rebellion in some cases. The abuser enjoys flouting parents and other authoritative figures. Daily Use The abuser is usually scared to lose contact with the drug provider and in this regard starts missing out on school and work. This approach is usually used to escape from negative or hurtful feelings, eventually switching to a company which is more involved in this type of activity. The users in such cases show increased strength to tolerate the drug effects. Daily Fixation For individuals who use drugs on regular basis, lose the motivational drive and experience lethargy and mood swings. Drugs become their priority overshadowing their relationships and social circle. Such individuals become mysterious and start looking for harder drugs. Dependence Drug abuse ultimately leads to addiction and users cannot imagine their lives without it. They develop a tendency to escape from problems, their physical appearance is affected, suicidal attitude is developed and it may consequently give rise to instable family ties. The problem of prescription drug abuse does not only pose a threat to health and immune system of users but it also affects their living system in the broad spectrum. Due to lack of concentration towards work/school, family and friends, their social life is corrupted. The pleasure may be temporary but the side effects can be hazardous as well as long term if not dealt with on the right time. The dangers of this nuisance should be publicized so that maximum people are aware of it and do not indulge into any such habit, secondly preventive measures should be introduced so that the problem is nipped in the bud. The contributing factors should be taken into consideration which significantly includes exercising control over websites which promote the excessive and illegitimate use of such drugs by allowing purchase without proper validation and prescription. (Glen, 400) Works Cited Glen, Hanson. Drugs and Society. Blackwell Publishers. 2006. Howard, Abadinsky. Drug Use and Abuse. Cengage Learning. 2010. Jeremy, Roberts. Prescription Drug Abuse. The Rosen Publishing Group. 2000. Karla, Fitzhugh. Prescription Drug Abuse. Heinemann Library. 2006. Richard, Wilson. Drub Abuse Prevention. Jones and Bartlett Learning. 2010. Rod, Colvin. Prescription Drug Abuse: The Hidden Epidemic. Addicus Books. 2000. Read More