What Are Drug Abuse and Addiction? Part Two

As discussed in part one of this two part series, medications have very real and legitimate uses. They are essential in many cases for pain control and in use to control out of control emotional and physical problems. However they can also be easily abused, sometimes quite easily people can get themselves in trouble just because they lack the knowledge of what is happening to them and they are fearful to ask questions and just instead trust the doctor and know that he will care for them.

Unfortunately people must be their own best advocate and patient education is essential in controlling circumstances that could lead to very devastating outcomes. The purpose of these two articles is to provide some of that education.

Let me remind you what the definition of abuse is from a medical standpoint. As stated in my previous article.

"Any drug or medication can be abused. From cocaine, marijuana and heroin to prescription medications to over the counter medications. Abuse means it is being taken by someone other than whom it was prescribed, or in a dose or amount that is not recommended."

In Part One of this serious on drug abuse, we discussed depressants, including narcotics, barbiturates and benzodiazepines. We will now focus our attention on stimulants.

Amphetamines

Stimulants give you the feeling of alertness, exceptional awareness, an abundance of energy. Amphetamines are ordinarily prescribed for ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), and depression when other treatments have failed. Since the depressed person is lackluster, without energy and frequently having problems being attentive, this treatment can provide some benefits.

These drugs can and are abused by people. But there are risks of heart failure, insomnia, increased feelings of nervousness and of course addiction. On the streets amphetamines are referred to as bennies, black beauties and speed.

Another danger of taking amphetamines for the wrong reasons is that people tend to take it in doses not prescribed. And in higher than normal does, a stimulant may cause a dangerously high body temperature, heart failure, and lethal seizures.

Cough and Cold Medicines

The active ingredient in nonprescription cold medicines and cough medicines is Dextromethorphan (DXM). This is perfectly safe when taken in recommended doses and for recommended reasons. But if taken in high doses in can wreak havoc on the system, causing impaired judgment and euphoria. And more serious side effects can include lack of coordination, fast heart rate, high blood pressure, nausea, vomiting and even brain damage. The street names for this include Orange Crush, Triple Cs, Dex and Robo.

Pseudoephedrine

This is a very sought after drug for illegal purposes. This drug has been on the market for years as the innocent medication Pseudophed taken for seasonal allergies, and mild cold symptoms. But illegally it is sought after for making methamphetamine or meth made in the infamous meth labs. That is why there are new laws limiting the amounts of this drug you can purchase at one time in any form.

We all have to make ourselves aware of medications and their proper use. If you have been prescribed a medicine, please use it in the dose and reference in which it was prescribed. No experimentation. No sharing. It could mean your life or the life of the person you are sharing with. And if you are suspicious that someone is abusing a drug whether innocently as discussed or with ill will in mind, these people need help. Get them to discuss this with their physicians. Do what is necessary to save lives.

Source:

WebMD