Drugs
Drugs refer to substances that cause a physical or psychological change in the body. A drugs main purpose is to be used as a medication to treat, manage, prevent, cure disease and relieve pain. There are two kinds of drugs; prescription and over-the-counter drugs. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must approve all drugs before they can be used by the public; they determine whether or not it should be prescribed by a doctor or sold over-the-counter. Over-the-counter drugs treat minor health conditions and are sold in stores and pharmacies. Prescription drugs can only be sold to a person with a prescribed medical paper (called a script) that has been authorized by a doctor or licensed healthcare professional. There are various types of medications which function differently including antibiotics, anesthetics and vaccinations, etc.
Identify 2 OTC and 2 Prescription Drugs. |
All medications can have side effects. Some medications cause health risks by negative interactions with other medications, foods, or drinks. People can experience an adverse (opposite) or allergic reaction to any medication at any time. OTC medications may relieve symptoms, but not treat the underlying causes of the symptoms. Adverse effects may result from medication misuse.
Medication abuse is when a person uses drugs for purposes other than those intended by the prescribing doctor. People who abuse drugs often experience many negative health consequences. For example, engaging in unsafe behaviors, contracting an infectious disease, being involved in an accident and overdoses. Commonly abused prescription medications are Opioids, Depressants and Stimulants. Common names include Percocets, Xanax, and Adderall.
What is the difference between drug use, drug misuse & drug abuse? |
Most abused drugs are illegal and can be very dangerous. Drugs contain chemicals that change the way nerve cells in the brain send, receive, and process information. Many drugs cause the brain to release abnormally large amounts of dopamine which is responsible for the euphoric feelings people experience while taking them. Excessive amounts of a drug required to achieve a “good feeling” contributes to drug abuse and addiction.
Drug addiction is a chronic disease that involves ongoing use of a drug regardless of harmful effects. Physical addiction is when the body requires the drug to function normally. A psychological addiction is the feeling of an intense need or desire for a particular drug. A person’s genetic makeup is related to drug addiction. Self-medicating puts people at risk of developing drug addictions. Alcohol and marijuana are drugs typically used in self-medicating.
Drug use at an early age makes a person more likely to become addicted. A person’s environmental factors contribute to his or her attitude toward drugs. Drug abuse ALWAYS ends up negatively impacting friend and family relationships.
When trying to help others seek help, express your concern by offering an assistance to seek help, attend meeting or groups if possible. Programs available to help treat abuse or addiction are residential treatment programs, outpatient treatment programs, skills-training programs, support groups, sober living communities and help hotlines.