Pharmacy medications

Non-medical use of pharmacy medications

The development of dependence includes the following stages:

1. Experimental use – taking the substance on a one‑off basis, with repetition of the behavior if the effect is perceived as beneficial.
2. Development of tolerance – over time, a higher dose is needed to achieve the same effect.
3. Psychological and physical dependence – the person can no longer function without the medication.
4. Escalating dependence – taking the medication becomes essential for everyday functioning.

• Opioids – used for pain relief.
• Sedatives and sleeping medications – used to treat anxiety and insomnia (e.g., alprazolam – Xanax, diazepam – Valium, zolpidem – Ambien)
• Stimulants – used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity (ADHD) or sleep disorders.

Possible signs of prescription medication misuse:

Opioids

• Constipation
• Nausea
• Feeling of euphoria
• Slowed breathing
• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Coordination difficulties
• Development of tolerance (needing higher doses)
• Increased sensitivity to pain

Anti-anxiety medications and sedatives

• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Unsteady gait
• Slurred or unclear speech
• Difficulty concentrating
• Dizziness
• Memory problems
• Slowed breathing

Stimulants

• Increased attention
• Feeling of euphoria
• Irregular heartbeat
• High blood pressure
• Increased body temperature
• Loss of appetite
• Insomnia
• Restlessness
• Anxiety
• Paranoia

Other signs

• Forging, stealing, or selling prescriptions
• Taking a higher dose than prescribed
• Irritability, sudden changes in mood
• Changes in sleep patterns – either excessive sleepiness or insomnia
• Making poor decisions
• Unusually high energy or, conversely, marked sluggishness
• Running out of medication earlier than expected and frequently requesting new prescriptions
• Obtaining prescriptions for the same medication from multiple doctors (so‑called "doctor shopping")

Adolescents and adults often misuse medications for the following reasons:

• To experience euphoria or a feeling of being “high”
• For relaxation and stress reduction
• For pain relief
• to suppress appetite
• To improve motivation and attention
• To experiment with the effects of the substance
• To maintain dependence and prevent withdrawal
• To support integration into one’s social circle
• To achieve better results at school and at work

Possible risk factors:

• Past or current dependence on other substances, including alcohol and tobacco
• Family history of substance misuse
• Certain pre-existing mental health conditions
• Peer pressure or a social environment where drug use is present
• Easy access to prescription medications (for example, keeping them in a household medicine cabinet)
• Insufficient knowledge about prescription medications and their potential harms

Possible consequences:

Medical consequences:

• Opioids slow breathing and can even cause it to stop. An overdose can lead to coma and death.
• Anti-anxiety medications and sedatives can cause memory problems, low blood pressure, and slowed breathing. An overdose may lead to coma or death. Suddenly stopping the medication can result in withdrawal, which is accompanied by an overactive nervous system and seizures.
• Stimulants – can cause increased body temperature, heart problems, high blood pressure, seizures, hallucinations, aggression, and paranoia.

Physical and psychological dependence:

Other consequences:

• Risky behaviors and poor decision-making
• Use of illegal or recreational drugs
• Engagement in criminal activities
• Being involved in road traffic accidents
• Difficulties or setbacks in studies or at work
• Problems in relationships

Ways to prevent it:

• Consult your doctor – make sure that they have accurately assessed your condition and chosen the appropriate medication.
• Monitor your treatment process – speak with your doctor regularly to make sure that the medication is working and that you are taking the correct dose.
• Follow the instructions strictly – do not increase the dose without consulting your doctor!
• Understand how the medication works – ask your doctor or pharmacist about possible side effects.
• Do not take someone else’s medication – even if your friend has the same condition, a medicine prescribed for them is not safe for you.
• Do not order medications online from suspicious sources – some websites sell counterfeit or dangerous drugs.

Preventing prescription medication misuse in adolescents:

• Talk with your child about the risks of prescription medications – explain that a medicine prescribed by a doctor is not safe if it is intended for someone else.
• Set clear rules – explain that it is not acceptable to share medications or to take someone else’s medicine.
• Talk with them about the dangers of alcohol – combining alcohol with medications increases the risk of accidental overdose and other complications.
• Keep medications away from children and adolescents – store them in a safe, locked place.
• Make sure your child is not ordering medications online – some websites sell fake and dangerous drugs that do not require a prescription.

Possible treatment options:

Treatment approaches for prescription medication misuse depend on the specific drug and the individual needs of the patient.
Treatment may include:

• Withdrawal process (detoxification)
• Medications for addiction treatment
• Rehabilitation.

Medication discontinuation (withdrawal and detoxification):

Goals of the intervention:

• Address the real consequences of the problem with your loved one
• Ask them to accept help
• Provide a clear message that the problem cannot be ignored
• What treatment options are available?
• How long does treatment take?
• How can I manage other health problems during the course of treatment?
• Can you recommend any reliable websites or printed materials?