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Navigation: Understanding Legal and Illegal Drugs, Why Do People Abuse Prescription Drugs?, The Dark Side of Prescription Drugs, How is Prescription Drug Addiction Treated?

Most people think of legally prescribed drugs as perfectly safe. However, if we take a closer look at the statistics and real-world impact of these medications, we can see that it is much more complicated than that.

While these drugs can be effective when it comes to treating various medical conditions, there are instances wherein they are dangerous. Some have the potential to cause severe side effects or lead to the development of addiction and drug dependence.

In this article, we are going to talk about legal and illegal drugs. Here, we are going to answer one of the most common questions people have in the world of modern medicine: can legally prescribed drugs actually be worse than illegal drugs?

The two main differences between legal and illegal drugs are their status under the law and how they are regulated.

Legal drugs, such as caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and many prescription medications, are permitted for use by specific groups of people. These substances are often regulated by governments to control quality, distribution, and usage. [1]

Legal drugs have been approved by health authorities like the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) after clinical trials have shown they are safe and effective for their intended purposes when used correctly.

Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, like aspirin or allergy medication, are legal for purchase by anyone but are also monitored to ensure they’re not used irresponsibly or dangerously. Meanwhile, some legal drugs, such as prescription medications, require a doctor’s approval for use because they may have potent effects or potential for misuse. [1]

On the other hand, illegal drugs are substances that are prohibited by the law due to their high potential for abuse and lack of accepted medical use. Most illegal substances have a high potential for adverse health effects.

Drugs like heroin, cocaine, and certain synthetic substances are classified as illegal under most laws and can carry severe penalties for possession, distribution, or use.

Many illegal drugs are considered dangerous due to their addictive qualities and unpredictable effects. Taking these substances may cause serious physical and mental health effects. Additionally, since these drugs are not regulated, meaning they are often produced in unsafe conditions. Sometimes users do not know what is actually in the drug they are taking or how much the dosage is, putting them at risk of severe health problems. [1]

The line between legal and illegal drugs can sometimes shift; for instance, cannabis is legal for medical or recreational use in certain places, while it remains illegal in others. The distinctions between legal and illegal drugs are rooted in societal, health, and regulatory perspectives on risk, benefit, and social impact.

Why Do People Abuse Prescription Drugs?

People have different reasons for abusing prescription drugs. These reasons are often tied to both psychological and physical factors.

Some individuals may start using prescription medications like painkillers or stimulants for legitimate medical reasons. However, they may eventually develop dependence or misuse them for recreational purposes.

Others may misuse these drugs to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, or trauma, seeking an escape or temporary relief from negative emotions. Many prescription drugs are addictive because of the euphoric effect they produce. Taking them may give people a bit of relief from their emotional or mental distress. [2]

Another common reason for abusing prescription medications is due to their ease of access. Compared to illicit drugs that need to be obtained through illegal channels, prescription drugs can be acquired from a medical professional. This means they are much more accessible—in fact, some acquire it from their loved ones or steal from their medicine cabinets. [2]

Others even go as far as doctor shopping, which is the fact of visiting multiple doctors just to get the same prescription repeatedly.

In any case, taking prescription drugs that are not yours or taking it in a way that is not prescribed is considered drug abuse. Over time, regular use of these drugs can lead to physical dependence, wherein they cannot function normally without taking the drug.

It’s also worth noting that there is a common misconception that prescription drugs are safer to abuse just because they are given by doctors. However, this is certainly not the case.

Other reasons for abusing prescription medications include peer pressure, boredom, weight loss, experimentation, and to perform better in school or at work. [2]

The Dark Side of Prescription Drugs

While the risks of illegal drugs are well-documented, the dangers associated with prescription drugs are often underreported. Yet, prescription drug misuse is a widespread issue with devastating consequences. According to the CDC, over 70% of drug overdose deaths in the US in recent years have been related to prescription opioids, benzodiazepines, and other prescription drugs. Here are some of the main ways in which legally prescribed drugs can be dangerous:

Addiction Potential

Many prescription drugs have the potential to be addictive. This is mainly due to their effects on brain chemistry, particularly on reward pathways that regulate pleasure and dependence.

Opioids like as oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), and fentanyl are highly addictive because they activate the brain’s opioid receptors and create a surge of dopamine, which is known as the “feel-good” neurotransmitter.

This dopamine rush not only relieves pain but also produces feelings of euphoria, which can encourage people to take more. Over time, the brain adapts to these elevated dopamine levels, reducing natural dopamine production and making the person dependent on the drug to feel normal. Withdrawal symptoms may also occur if someone who is drug dependent suddenly stops taking it or reduces their intake. [3]

Other addictive prescription drugs include benzodiazepines, like Xanax (alprazolam) and Valium (diazepam), often prescribed for anxiety and insomnia.

These drugs enhance the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity, producing a calming effect. However, with prolonged use, the brain becomes less responsive to GABA, and they may develop a tolerance. This is when a person needs to take higher doses just to achieve the same effects. Again, withdrawal is a problem if they attempt to quit the substance.

Remember that addiction is a medical condition and not a moral failing, unlike what the stigma suggests. This condition is characterized by the compulsive use of a drug, even when the person is already suffering from its effects. Addicted individuals need proper medical assistance in order to regain their sobriety and maintain it for the long-term.

Risk of Overdose

Prescription drugs, while intended to treat various medical conditions, carry a significant risk of overdose when misused or overused. [3]

Opioid painkillers, for instance, depress the central nervous system, slowing down breathing and heart rate. When combined with other depressants like alcohol or taken in high doses, these substances can cause respiratory failure, which in some cases can be fatal.

Benzodiazepines, often prescribed for anxiety and insomnia, have similar depressant effects and, when taken in excess, can cause severe drowsiness, confusion, and slowed breathing. [3]

Stimulants prescribed for ADHD, such as amphetamines, can lead to cardiovascular issues and dangerous increases in blood pressure when abused. Many patients unintentionally develop a tolerance, which increases their risk of overdose.

The misuse and addiction potential of these drugs highlights the need for careful and responsible prescription practices, and accessible treatment for those struggling with drug dependence.

Cardiovascular Problems

Abusing prescription drugs, especially stimulants like Adderall or opioids like OxyContin, can lead to severe cardiovascular problems. These drugs can increase heart rate and blood pressure, putting extra strain on the heart. [4]

Long-term misuse can damage blood vessels, heighten the risk of heart attacks, and, in severe cases, lead to heart failure or sudden death.

Respiratory Depression

As we mentioned earlier, respiratory depression is a serious condition that can be fatal. This condition slows a person’s breathing to dangerous levels. High doses of opioids suppress signals in the brain that regulate respiration, causing shallow or irregular breathing. Reduced oxygen intake may result in organ damage or even death if not promptly addressed. [4]

Kidney Damage

The misuse of prescription drugs, particularly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and some antibiotics, can damage the kidneys over time. Abuse can lead to kidney inflammation, impaired kidney function, or acute kidney failure. For some users, prolonged damage might require dialysis or a kidney transplant to manage or restore kidney function. [4]

Liver Damage

Prescription drug abuse, especially of opioids and acetaminophen-based medications, can severely affect the liver. Overloading the liver with toxic substances leads to inflammation, scarring (cirrhosis), or even liver failure.

Long-term abuse increases the risk of permanent liver damage, which can be life-threatening without medical intervention. [4]

Neurological Changes

Many prescription drugs impact the central nervous system, meaning they have the potential to cause neurological changes if misused. Chronic misuse of these drugs can damage brain cells and alter brain chemistry, leading to memory issues, cognitive decline, and mental health disorders. Neurological damage can be difficult to reverse, even after a person stops taking the drug.

Mental Health Disorders

Prescription drug abuse can lead to a wide range of mental health disorders. They may either worsen existing issues or create new ones.

When prescription drugs are misused, they can alter brain chemistry. For instance, abusing stimulants can heighten feelings of anxiety, paranoia, and even aggression, while opioids can lead to mood swings, depression, and impaired cognitive function. [4]

Benzodiazepines, often prescribed for anxiety, can lead to emotional numbness and memory problems when abused. Over time, people may develop drug-induced psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, and increased risk of psychosis.

The cycle of dependency and the body’s adapting tolerance levels make it difficult to regulate emotions, creating a vicious cycle of worsening mental health and dependence on the drugs to achieve stability or a sense of normalcy.

Increased Risk of Infectious Diseases

Injectable drug abuse, such as injecting prescription painkillers, increases the risk of infections like HIV, hepatitis C, and bacterial infections from using shared or unclean needles.

Even misuse of non-injectable drugs may lower immune function, leading to frequent illnesses. Chronic infections from drug abuse can create life-threatening complications and require long-term medical treatment, such as antiviral or antibiotic therapies.

How is Prescription Drug Addiction Treated?

Treatment for prescription drug addiction is actually similar to the treatment process for illicit drugs. It requires a comprehensive, individualized approach because everybody is different. Everyone experiences addiction differently—this is why there is no one-size-fits-all approach in rehab.

That said, there are certain treatments that are commonly used, including detoxification.

Also called medical detox, this is often the first step of a complete addiction treatment program. It involves gradually reducing a patient’s drug’s intake under medical supervision while managing their withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

This step is especially important for drugs like opioids or benzodiazepines, which can have severe withdrawal effects. In a clinical setting, doctors may use other medications to ease withdrawal symptoms. Methadone and buprenorphine are used for opioid addiction while antidepressants help stabilize mood.

Medical detox ensures the patient’s safety throughout this difficult stage of recovery. It also increases their chances of a successful transition into the next phase of treatment, which is behavioral therapy. Therapy and counseling help patients understand the root causes of their addiction, allowing them to develop healthier coping mechanisms. [5]

Cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT teaches people to recognize and alter thought patterns that lead to drug misuse. Meanwhile contingency management uses rewards to encourage sobriety. [5]

Group therapy and support groups, like Narcotics Anonymous, also provide a community-based environment that reinforces recovery through shared experiences. Additionally, ongoing counseling and, in some cases, family therapy help address the broader social and psychological factors tied to addiction.

This is where most rehab programs differ in their approach. It is important to choose a treatment facility that can cater to the patient’s specific needs and circumstances. Remember that long-term support is essential, as prescription drug addiction can require sustained commitment to prevent relapse and encourage a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.

The question of whether legally prescribed drugs can be worse than illegal drugs doesn’t have a simple answer. Prescription drugs have undoubtedly improved millions of lives and offer essential treatment for countless medical conditions. However, the potential for addiction, misuse, and overdose associated with these medications cannot be ignored.

If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use disorder (SUD), look for a rehab center near you today.

 

Sources:

[1]: https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/know-drugs.html

[2]: https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/prescription-drug-abuse.html

[3]: https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/abuse-of-prescription-drugs

[4]: https://delamere.com/help-guides/drugs/prescription-drugs-effects

[5]: https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/misuse-prescription-drugs/how-can-prescription-drug-addiction-be-treated

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