Prescription drug abuse is defined as the use of a prescription medication in a way not intended by the prescribing doctor, according to MayoClinic.com. People who abuse their prescription drugs can take higher doses than prescribed, combine medications with other prescription drugs, alcohol or illicit drugs, increase requests for more prescriptions and go to more than one doctor to get additional prescriptions. These behaviors can have associated symptoms and incur health risks.
Demographic Trends
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reported a 400 percent increase between 1998 and 2008 in the proportion of people ages 12 and older treated for prescription painkiller abuse. Research published in Pediatrics shows a sharp increase in teen abuse of prescription drugs for stimulants that treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The results identify a 76 percent increase in calls related to teenage victims of prescription ADHD drugs over an eight-year period that is faster than calls for teen substance abuse or substance abuse across all age groups. According to research by C.M. Martin published in The Consultant Pharmacist, intentional abuse of prescription drugs is increasing among all age groups and experts predict this trend will rise significantly among the elderly as the number of people in the baby boomer generation reach 65 years and older.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms associated with prescription drug abuse differ by the type of drug consumed, according to the MayoClinic.com. Opioid pankillers can cause constipation, low blood pressure, confusion, depression and decreased breathing. Stimulants can cause irritability, agitation, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, insomnia and weight loss. Sedatives and tranquilizers can cause drowsiness, confusion, involuntary and rapid movement of the eyeball, unsteady gait and poor judgment.
Health Risks
People who abuse their own prescription drugs can incur health risks, especially if the medication is taken in high doses or combined with other drugs, alcohol or recreational drugs. According to MayoClinic.com, opioid painkillers can increase the risk of choking, slowed breathing and loss of fertility. Stimulants can increase risk of stroke, seizures, tremors and seeing or hearing things that are not real. Sedatives and tranquilizers can cause problems with memory and in extreme cases, coma or death. Continued abuse of prescription drugs can affect the ability to perform well at work and increase risk of accidents associated with driving a car or operating machinery.
Addiction & Withdrawal
A fine line exists between prescription drug abuse and addiction. Abuse occurs when the drug is used at will, whereas addiction involves dependence on the drug even if the substance makes them feel worse. Depending on the medication, people who abuse their own prescription drug may experience withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly discontinue the drug. In some cases, people might require counseling and another drug to help wean them off of the abused drug.
Prevention/Solution
One solution is to develop technology that will enhance the facilitation and monitoring of drug acquisition, according to research published in Drug and Alcohol Review.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Prescription Drug Abuse
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Substance Abuse of Pain Relievers: 1998 and 2008
- "Pediatrics"; Adolescent Prescription Adhd Medication Abuse Prescriptions; Setlik, J.; Sep 2009
- "Consultant Pharmacist"; Prescription Drug Abuse in the Elderly; Martin, C.M.; Dec 2008
- "Drug Alcohol Rev"; Prescription Drug Misuse: Is Technology Friend or Foe?; Nielsen, S.; Jan 2009
