Abused Prescription Medications

Chances are you, like millions of other Americans, have had a prescription filled at some point or another.

And chances are, these prescriptions were used until not needed, and the remains still sit in your medicine cabinet.

Unfortunately, what remains may be enough to get a teen high. This may come as a surprise, but national DEA surveys indicate that the fastest growing incidence of drug abuse among teens is not the illegal drugs- heroin, cocaine, and such. It is abuse of prescription medications found right at home.

“Many people don’t realize that prescriptions they get filled can be the target of abuse,” comments Mary Rieser, Executive Director for Narconon Drug Rehab GA. “Teens have been known to raid the family medicine cabinet, get together, and swap drugs in so-called ‘pharma parties’. Some of these drugs are extremely addictive, as well as potentially life threatening. You don’t need your teen getting drug addicted. Be aware of what you have in your medicine cabinet. Dispose of un-needed drugs. Talk to your kids about drug abuse and drug addiction, not just with illegal drugs, but pharmaceutical drugs as well.”

Prescription medications such as pain relievers, central nervous system (CNS) depressants (tranquilizers and sedatives), and stimulants are highly beneficial treatments for a variety of health conditions.

Pain relievers enable individuals with chronic pain to lead productive lives; tranquilizers have been used to reduce anxiety and help patients with sleep disorders; and stimulants are prescribed for people with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Most people who take prescription medications use them responsibly. But, when abused—that is, taken by someone other than the patient for whom the medication was prescribed, or taken in a manner or dosage other than what was prescribed—prescription medications can produce serious adverse health effects and can lead to drug addiction.

Patients, healthcare professionals, and pharmacists all have roles in preventing the abuse of and addiction to prescription medications.

For example, patients should follow the directions for use carefully, learn what effects and side effects the medication could have, and inform their doctor/pharmacist whether they are taking other medications [including over-the-counter (OTC) medications or health supplements], since these could potentially interact with the prescribed medication.

The patient should read all information provided by the pharmacist.

Physicians and other healthcare providers should screen for past or current substance abuse in the patient during routine examination, including asking questions about what other medications the patient is taking and why.

Providers should note any rapid increases in the amount of a medication needed or frequent requests for refills before the quantity prescribed should have been finished, as these may be indicators of abuse.

Similarly, some OTC medications, such as cough and cold medicines containing dextromethorphan, have beneficial effects when taken as recommended, but they can also be abused and lead to serious adverse health consequences.

Parents should be aware of the potential for abuse of these medications, especially when consumed in large quantities, which should signal concern and the possible need for intervention.

Source: NIDA

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