Explain the benefits and risks associated with the use of over-the- counter drugs.
Understanding OTC (Over-The-Counter) DrugsOver-the-counter (OTC) drugs are medications available without a prescription at drugstores or supermarkets. Show
OTC drugs are typically safe if used at recommended doses. Like illegal and prescription drugs, they can also be abused. Although less potent than other substances, OTC drugs still pose a risk for developing an addiction. Abusing OTC drugs can lead to health problems including memory loss, kidney failure, heart problems, and death. Some commonly abused OTC medications include:
If you or someone you love is struggling with an OTC drug addiction, call a treatment provider for rehab-related help. Online Addiction Counseling Start getting support from a licensed therapist from BetterHelp. Take the Quiz.Get Matched. Begin Therapy. Paid Advertising. We may receive advertising fees if you follow links to the BetterHelp site.
GET STARTED NOW Paid Advertising. We may receive advertising fees if you follow links to the BetterHelp site. OTC Drug AbuseOTC drugs have various medical uses and effects, treating mild pain to motion sickness. Some abuse OTC drugs to self-medicate for mental illnesses like anxiety and depression. Abusing these medications can also give users a euphoric “high” or hallucinations. Any use outside of what’s recommended is considered abuse. Someone abusing OTC drugs might move on to more dangerous or illicit drugs in search of a better high. Cough Medicines (Dextromethorphan, or DXM)Cough medicines can cause hallucinations and a potent high when abused. Cough medicines are popular among young people, as they’re often readily accessible in medicine cabinets at home or at a friend’s house. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) lists different dose-dependent plateaus, as experienced by people who abuse DXM. The maximum recommended daily dose of DXM is 120 mg; beyond that, intoxication and dangerous side effects begin to appear.
High doses of DXM can cause
Break free from addiction.You have options. Talk about them with a treatment provider today. (870) 515-4356 Cold Medicines (Pseudoephedrine)Pseudoephedrine is a stimulant and the active ingredient in many cold medicines. It is used to relieve nasal and sinus congestion from colds or allergies and may also relieve congestion. In rare cases, may abuse pseudoephedrine for hallucinations or an intense “body high.” Pseudoephedrine is also used to create illicit drugs like methamphetamine. Abusing pseudoephedrine can cause irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, high blood pressure, dizziness and seizures. Motion Sickness Pills (Dimenhydrinate)Dimenhydrinate is used to treat motion sickness and vertigo. In high doses, the drug can cause hallucinations, ringing in the ears, nausea, irregular heartbeat, seizures, coma and even death. The drug is often abused for its psychedelic properties. The drug is considered a deliriant when taken in high doses (between 200-1200 mg depending on body weight). Looking for a place to start?Join the thousands of people that have called a treatment provider for rehab information. Free and confidential Available 24/7 Access to professional treatment OTC Drug AddictionRecreational OTC drug use can also change the brain’s chemistry over time. Eventually the user builds a tolerance to the drugs, needing more of the substance to get the previous effects. Those addicted to OTC drugs maybe also develop withdrawal symptoms when they stop using. Common symptoms of OTC drug withdrawal include:
Learning to spot an OTC drug addiction can be difficult. OTC drugs like Tylenol and various cough medicines don’t carry the same dangerous image as illicit drugs like Heroin. People don’t always see them as addictive, so many loved ones of people addicted to OTC drugs don’t know to look for signs of a growing problem. Some of the signs of an OTC drug addiction include continuing to use the drugs despite known consequences and spending an excessive amount of time or money using or getting them. There are 11 key criteria to diagnose an addiction to any drug. OTC Drug Abuse Statistics2005 FDA warning In 2005, the FDA issued a warning about Dextromethorphan abuse after a series of incidents caused by the drug. 3.1 million Approximately 3.1 million young people aged 12 to 25 have used a nonprescription cough and cold medication to get high. 4 percent About 4% of 12th graders have abused some form of cough medicine. OTC Drug Addiction TreatmentThose suffering from OTC drug addiction have many treatment options. Individual and group therapies, mental health counseling, and psychotherapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are all effective treatment methods. Inpatient and outpatient rehab programs allow those recovering from OTC drug addiction the resources to get and stay sober. Enrolling in a
drug rehab program can significantly reduce the odds of relapse. Get The Resources To Beat AddictionOvercoming an OTC drug addiction can be difficult, but it is far from impossible. Inpatient drug treatment programs give recovering addicts 24-hour medical care, while those in outpatient programs can visit specified medical centers while keeping their home lives intact. Attending a 12-step group like Narcotics Anonymous can provide community and support to help with lasting recovery. If you or someone you care about is struggling with an addiction to OTC drugs like Dextromethorphan, contact a treatment provider to discuss available treatment options. What are the benefits of overOver-the-counter (OTC) medicines are drugs you can buy without a prescription. Some OTC medicines relieve aches, pains, and itches. Some prevent or cure diseases, like tooth decay and athlete's foot. Others help manage recurring problems, like migraines and allergies.
What are the risks of overAlthough less potent than other substances, OTC drugs still pose a risk for developing an addiction. Abusing OTC drugs can lead to health problems including memory loss, kidney failure, heart problems, and death. Some commonly abused OTC medications include: Cough medicines (Dextromethorphan, or DXM)
What are the risks and benefits of medicines?The benefits of medicines are the helpful effects you get when you use them, such as lowering blood pressure, curing infection, or relieving pain. The risks of medicines are the chances that something unwanted or unexpected could happen to you when you use them.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of OTC drugs?The benefits also include fewer physician visits, resulting in reduced health care system costs. General risks associated with OTC pain reliever use can include incorrect self-diagnosis, resulting in serious illness, increased risk of drug—drug interactions and adverse effects, and a potential for misuse and abuse.
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