Effect of Drugs in One's Health - Research Paper Example

The Effects of Drugs on One’s Health Whether out of mere misuse or a strong addiction, overdoses may always result from the use of both prescription and non-prescription drugs. However, according to a 2007 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, overdoses resulting from prescription drugs outnumber those from non-prescription drugs in the 26,000 fatal cases of drug overdose in the United States each year (Davis). Apart from these fatal cases, around 120,000 Americans every year suffer from the harmful and debilitating effects of overdosing on painkillers (Davis). Nevertheless, one should give equal attention to non-prescription drugs. This is due to the fact that drugs like cocaine, marijuana and methamphetamine still account for many horrific complications and fatalities that result from drug overdoses and that claim thousands of lives in America each year (“Overdose”). Most cases of drug overdoses in the United States result mostly from the misuse or overuse of prescription drugs, of which the most common are narcotics, which include opioid painkillers especially methadone, benzodiazepines such as antidepressants and Valium, and opioid analgesics (Paulozzi). These drug overdoses account for 45% of the cases in contrast with those from cocaine, heroin and other non-prescription drugs, which only make up 39% of the cases (Paulozzi). Moreover, overdoses from prescription drugs are common among men and those aged 45 to 54 in addition to the fact that 1 out of every 11 teens also suffer from the same overdose (Paulozzi; “Over-The-Counter”). Misuse of these drugs usually arise from the fact that most over-the-counter or OTC drugs are easily accessible to most Americans of any age. Add to that the fact that not every American teenager or parent is properly informed about the various side effects of such prescription drugs. Other people at a greater risk of developing a tendency to overdose on the drug include those already suffering from depression, those using multiple drug combinations, those under stress and those with a family history of drug overdose (Davis). The symptoms of overdoses from prescription and over-the-counter drugs include dizziness, nausea, blurry vision (“Over-The-Counter”). Other physical symptoms include numbness and sleep disturbances like nightmares (“Over-The-Counter”). Negative mental effects such as poor memory, unclear thinking, poor school and work performance, and a lack of interest in normal activities are also common (“Over-The-Counter”). Moreover, overdoses can also affect one emotionally by causing anxiety, hostility, constant mood changes, confusion and hallucinations (“Over-The-Counter”). Based on the aforementioned symptoms, over-the-counter drugs alone may severely affect an individual not only physically but also mentally and emotionally, thus preventing him from carrying out most of his normal daily tasks. Furthermore, the tendency to become addicted to using the drug may perpetuate the symptoms and lead to serious consequences. Physical complications include heart palpitations, liver problems, seizures, physical harm to the brain, ruptured blood vessels, and stroke – all of which may lead to death (“Over-The-Counter”). Moreover, the emotional complications may include depression and similar symptoms (“Over-The-Counter”). Nevertheless, death through drug poisoning is still the most serious complication (Paulozzi). Such complications are the ones directly held accountable for the number of fatalities that may result from overdosing on prescription and over-the-counter drugs. The symptoms caused by opioid, antidepressant and stimulant overdoses are, however, worse. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, an overdose of opioids or painkillers such as hydrocodone and diphenoxylate can cause constipation, depressed breathing, and drowsiness. On the other hand, an overdose of antidepressants such as barbiturates and benzodiazepines such as Valium may cause decreased brain function, and a decrease in heart rate and respiration that can lead to dangerous consequences. Lastly, an overdose of stimulants such as dextroamphetamines like Dexedrine and amphetamines like Adderall may lead to a combination of physical, emotional and mental side effects. The physical side effects include irregular heartbeat, seizures and an unusual increase in body temperature. Paranoia and anxiety may also be present (“Prescription Medications”). The aforementioned harmful effects of prescription drugs are more or less similar to those induced by overdoses on non-prescription drugs. Cocaine, which is one of the most commonly abused non-prescription drugs, can cause severe anxiety, sleeplessness, panic, paranoid delusions, delirium, seizures, hallucinations, renal failure, hyperthermia and an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Death, although occasionally, may result from heart attack. It is however the psychological effects of cocaine overdose that make it different from prescription drugs. Overuse of cocaine causes acute psychosis with symptoms that may mimic those of schizophrenia (“Overdose”). Another non-prescription drug, heroin, also causes similar symptoms when taken in large doses. Decreased respiratory rate leading to apnea or occasional stops in breathing while asleep is a common symptom of heroin overuse. Other symptoms may include delirium, and while cocaine causes increases in heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature, heroin does the opposite but in a similarly harmful way (“Overdose”). Moreover, the toxic contaminants in heroin may clog blood vessels thus leading to a malfunctioning and severe damage of the vital organs such as the kidneys, lungs and brain. Any of these complications may lead to death (“Overuse”). A third non-prescription drug, Methamphetamine, may cause renal failure, increased heart rate and blood pressure, chest pain, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle rigidity, increased body temperature and seizures. The psychological effects of methamphetamine overdose include psychosis and acute delirium. The type of psychosis manifested by someone overdosed with methamphetamine is one of the paranoid type accompanied with delusions of persecution as well as feelings of omnipotence. There is also a possibility of prolonged depression that may trigger suicide (“Overdose”). Another well-known non-prescription drug, cannabis or marijuana, although not associated with death, can cause symptoms like psychosis, delusions, hallucinations, and a marked inability to identify one’s identity. Marijuana also increases breathing, heart and blood rate. Moreover, it is linked to lung cancer (“Overdose”). Aside from all the aforementioned harmful effects of marijuana and other non-prescription drugs, an overdose is always accompanied by obsessive thoughts, an uncontrollable craving for the drug as well as withdrawal symptoms (“Overdose”). Although prescription drugs account for 45% of drug-induced fatalities in America each year, it is undeniable that non-prescription drugs are just as harmful, and that the figure of 39% attributed to the fatalities brought about by the latter is not significantly far from 45%. The bottom line is that both prescription and non-prescription drugs pose harm to human health. Whereas we have to avoid non-prescription drugs completely, prescription drugs, if not taken in regular doses, can be just as harmful. It is also interesting to note that neither the health sector nor the medical professionals are responsible for our health but we ourselves. It is therefore necessary for us to have adequate knowledge about the harm caused by prescription drugs in order for us to realize how dangerous they can be if not taken in their proper dosage. Literature Cited Davis, Sara D. “Overdoses for Prescription and Non-Prescription Drugs.” 2010. Web. 24 Oct 2011. “Overdose.” DrugWarFacts.org. 2011. Web. 25 Oct 2011. “Over-The-Counter Drug Abuse High Among Teens.” Case Palmera. 2011. Web. 24 Oct 2011. Paulozzi, Leonard J. “Trends in Unintentional Drug Overdose Deaths.” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 2011. Web. 24 Oct 2011. “Prescription Medications.” National Institute on Drug Abuse. 2011. Web. 24 Oct 2011. Read More