Drug and substance abuse a case of prescription drugs

When medication is prescribed to be used for cases that are non-medical, the abuse of such drugs is called prescription drug abuse. Just like any other drug for abuse, prescription drugs abuse can result in dependence, addiction, and once the victim has stopped using them for a while, they experience “Withdrawal symptoms: Tachycardia, hypertension, hyperthermia, diaphoresis, hand tremors, insomnia, nausea, and psychomotor agitation”, as indicated by Schub, Glendale, and Walsh (3). Prescription drugs like opioids and central nervous system depressants are used alongside other drugs of abuse and alcohol. For instance, opioids like Hydrocodone are prescribed to relieve pain problems, but can be used to induce a temporary state of euphoria. The topic is linked to me since I have been once a Vitim for the use of oxycodone just to have a short while of induced euphoria to manage my stress episodes. “Drug abuse is a chronic public health problem, affecting all levels of society, with potentially irreversible consequences.” as shown by Rhea and Reynaldo (396). For this reason, it requires various stakeholders that included the public in helping with the problem. “Prescription drug abuse/misuse is increasing. Nonmedical use of prescription medications, especially opioid analgesics, now is considered an epidemic in the United States. Medical-surgical nurses are in a strategic position to help address substance abuse problems in patients” as shown by Rhea and Reynaldo (396).

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