The abuse of prescription drugs for recreational purpose is a serious problem worldwide. This is prevalent among youths and teens. Majority of them think that prescription drugs are safe as doctors prescribe them; however, little do they realise that self-medication is as harmful as drug abuse. Prescription drugs are safe only for people who have been advised by their doctors to take those drugs. Here are a few more things about prescription drug abuse:
1. Prescription drugs that are mostly abused for recreational purpose belong to categories that include Depressants, Stimulants, Opioids and Morphine Derivatives, and Anti-depressants.
2. Depressants come in both capsule and liquid forms. A few depressants falling in the categories such as Seroquel, Zyprexa, and Haldol are antipsychotics as they are used to suppress the symptoms of mental illness. Depressants such as Seconal, Amytal, and Nembutal are abused mainly as sleeping pills or sedatives. Abusing depressants causes serious health implications such as dizziness, fatigue, visual disturbance, slow pulse rate and breathing rate, disorientation, and depression.
3. Those who abuse depressants may become tolerant to them rapidly and as a result, need larger doses to get the same effect. Increasing the levels of the doses might result in coma or death by drug overdose.
4. Opioids are drugs that are used for relieving pain. These act on your nervous system. However, if you continue using these drugs or abuse them, it can cause physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms. The short-term effects of Opioids and Morphine derivatives include nausea, unconsciousness, slow breathing, and drowsiness. With continuous abuse, your body will adapt to its presence, and when you stop it, it will cause muscle and bone pain, vomiting, cold flashes, and insomnia.
5. Stimulants are often called as “uppers” as these drugs elevate your energy level and alertness for a temporary period. When taken, the temporary elevated mood and energy level is quickly followed by depression and exhaustion. This makes the user want the drug again. Stimulants are highly addictive and continuous use can lead to paranoia and feeling of hostility. High doses can even cause an irregular heartbeat.
6. Antidepressant abuse causes irrational behaviour, incoherent thoughts, insomnia, and anxiety. Commonly abused antidepressants include Effexor, Prozac, Paxil, and Remeron.
For prescription drug abusers, the road to sobriety is tough and should always be guided by a qualified addiction counsellor or psychiatrist. If you or anyone around you is struggling with prescription drug abuse, and looking for psychiatrists in Kolkata, contact us at http://moneralo.com/contact-us/.
