By: Daniela Carranza
Every time we hear the word addiction, we automatically think of the use of illegal substances. This is part of a collective perception, which has been built in society for a long time, however, its meaning goes beyond this.
What is addiction?
It is the excessive consumption of a certain substance, which is characterized by the constant search for reward and/or relief.
Currently, the consumption of medications is completely common, from children to the elderly are mostly subjected to some type of medication, some whose formulation contains active ingredients that generate partial or complete dependence on them.
However What is prescription drug abuse?, is the misuse of a prescription drug in a way not intended by the health professional who prescribes it, ranging from consuming more than prescribed to abusing a prescription that is intended for another person.
Most Abused Prescription Drugs and Their Effects
- Opioids: They are powerful analgesics that, when abused, make the person feel relaxed and happy.
- Nervous system depressants: Misuse of these medications can cause a feeling of well-being, intense joy and excitement.
- Stimulants: Their effect is to make messages between the brain and the body move faster, consequently, the person is more alert and physically active. It can make a person feel excited and energized.
Therefore, people have this problem because the chemicals in the medications have psychoactive effects, this means that it has an effect on the way the brain works.
Both young people and adults can abuse these medications for reasons such as:
- Feeling good or having a high
- Relax or relieve tension
- Relieve pain faster
- Increase alertness
The symptoms will depend on the type of medication being abused:
| Opioids | depressants | Stimulants |
| Slow breathing rate Drowsiness ConfusionPoor coordination Need to take higher doses to relieve pain | Lack of coordination Shorter attention span Poor pronunciation | You are more alert Decreased appetiteInsomnia Agitation Anxiety High blood pressure |
The person who consumes this type of medication as part of a specific treatment must make sure to attend visits with their doctor, write down the effects that the medication may cause, keep the information provided by the pharmacist, and not increase or reduce the dose without seek medical advice.
However, addressing this topic is not to provoke panic or fear, what is expected is to highlight the importance of the correct use of these medications. We wish to clarify that this type of medication can be beneficial for our health if they are prescribed by a professional. and the prescribed person is responsible for following medical instructions.