Perscription drug abuse Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Perscription drug abuse - Research Paper Example As far as the statistical figures are concerned, it is a grave situation and a growing problem. (Karla, 30) Experts still haven’t been able to figure out the actual reason behind this kind of drug abuse. The two likely possibilities may be that doctors prescribe more medicines for their patients than is actually required; secondly online purchase of medicines has made it easier and convenient for people to buy drugs especially for teenagers. Where some pharmacies follow the legitimate path and do not provide medicines without prescription, however some pharmacies distribute drugs without proper prescription, validation and verification making the drugs more approachable hence contributing towards this growing issue. Drug abuse does not only lead to addiction and instability it can also give rise to harmful chemical reactions which can occur in the body due to medicine intake in inappropriate quantity. To avoid this, all prescriptions should be obtained from one pharmacy so tha t minimum risk is involved secondly using others prescription should be strictly avoided even in cases of similar condition. (Jeremy, 25) Effects of Prescription Drug Abuse Prescription drug abuse affects different parts of the body which includes body, brain and physical appearance of the individual who is involved in drug abuse. Effects on Brain and Body The drugs that are directly related to the problem of drug abuse are opioids, CNS (central nervous system) stimulants depressants that are most commonly used to pacify and ease the nervous system in case of anxiety. Opioids are drugs that are used to relieve pain of both moderate as well as severe level. OxyContin and Vicodin fall in the category of opioids; these medicines attach themselves to the brain and body cells particularly the ones in the spinal cord, brain area and gastrointestinal zone making them numb so that the pain awareness is obstructed. These drugs can also raise the level of dope in the brain which gives a feeling of immense pleasure and in other cases where it is snorted by the abusers, intensifies the feeling of euphoria which can lead to severe medical consequences which includes nausea which consequently leads to vomiting, mood swings, decrease in the activities of brain, seizures, coma and numbness. Combination of opioids with alcohol and other CNS depressants can further aggravate the situation. (Rod, 56) Central nervous system depressants as the name indicates is used to treat anxiety, insomnia, feeling of fear or panic, severe stress responses and seizures. The medicin es that lie in this category are Valium, Xanax and Librium; they act directly on GABA, an acid which is present in the brain. GABA in turn retards the brain activity to some extent which is exactly why it is used to deal with problems of anxiety and sleep disorders. It pacifies the brain activity due to which the patients experience a soothing effect and drowsiness. However if this medicine is used in inappropriate amount and special care is not taken during its use can result in respiratory seizure which ultimately leads to death. Not only the abuse or overdose of depressants result in severe