Abusing Prescription Drugs November 17
The mere mention of drug abuse brings with it a negative connotation, and anyone who has fallen into the trap is, more often than not, immediately branded as a delinquent or, worse, a criminal. Statistics will show, however, that while a lot of substance abusers are miscreants, there is a fraction of this population for whom the abuse started out of necessity.
Outside of the illegal drug trade, the next substance abused by addicts is prescription drugs. Not everyone, though, does the deed on purpose. What some people fail to realize is that prescription drugs can bring about addiction and dependency. This is why these medicines will only work for the better under a doctor’s guidance and supervision.
Unfortunately, even when the treatment has taken its course, the physical and emotional boost that prescription drugs can bring to some patients stay with them. This is what they will look for even after they have been cured. This is what will lead them to using the medicine beyond their physician’s advice. Since they started taking the drug for a legitimate purpose, they will see nothing wrong with continuing to do so.
The most common prescription drugs that end up being abused are painkillers and antidepressants. Some medicines that treat anxiety and depression when stopped abruptly can bring about withdrawal symptoms. Doctors usually place patients under a controlled, gradual decrease in dosage and frequency prior to total removal of the drug to reduce these effects.
The people who fall into this path are usually upstanding people who have been pushed by health issues and circumstance into these situations. Fortunately, there are ways now of testing oneself for substance abuse in the comfort and privacy of the home, away from prying and judging eyes.
At any rate, what is important is realizing and controlling the situation in time. Just remember that for anything, work with your doctor. It may not be an absolute, but he or she will always know what’s best for you.
Tags: Drug, drug abuse, drugs, health, medicine, painkillers, Substance Abuse, symptoms