Drug abuse is not limited to illegal drugs such as cocaine and heroin, it extends to legal prescription drugs that are issued from clinics, medical centres, or hospitals. Unfortunately the latter is rarely discussed.
You might consequently fall victim to such substance usage without realizing it. Have you ever done one or more of the following:
- Taken a medicine that was prescribed for someone else,
- Taken a larger dose than you are supposed to,
- Taken the medicine in a different way than you are supposed to. For example crushing tablets and then snorting or injecting them,
- Taken a drug in higher frequency than prescribed leading to possibly toxicities and addiction,
- Or used the medicine for another purpose, such as getting high?
If yes, then you have abused prescription drugs. It is referred to as prescription drug misuse if you take a medication otherwise than as your doctor instructed. Since doctors consider drug side effects when prescribing a medication, misusing medications, particularly at larger doses, can be deadly. Misusing some prescription drugs such as sedatives, tranquilizers, and stimulants can lead to addiction. Despite the risks, prescription medication addiction can become compulsive and continuous.
Drug abuse is not limited to illegal drugs such as cocaine and heroin, it extends to legal prescription drugs that are issued from clinics, medical centres, or hospitals.
Signs and symptoms of prescription drug abuse
- Feeling high
- Slowed breathing rate
- Increased dose needed for pain relief
- Worsening or increased sensitivity to pain with higher doses
- Irregular heartbeat
- High blood pressure
- High body temperature
- Reduced appetite
- Taking higher doses than prescribed
You might be experiencing one of the aforementioned negative effects if you are abusing or misusing prescription medications. Speak with our experts or your health care provider right now. Do not hesitate to discuss it in public. Medical personnel are educated to assist, not to condemn, patients. It is simpler to address the issue early, before it develops into an addiction and causes more serious issues.
Reviewed by Dr. Alex Mayanja.