Page 28 | ABUSE Magazine
Source: NIDA For Teens
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as pain or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)—they usually
do not become addicted, because the
medication is prescribed in dosages
and forms that are considered safe
for that person. The drug is compensating for a problem, which makes
the person feel better, not high. But
medications that affect the brain can
change the way it functions, especially when they are taken repeatedly or in large doses. They can alter
the reward system, making it harder
to feel good without the drug and can
lead to intense cravings, which make
it hard to stop using. This is no different from what can happen when
someone takes illicit drugs and addiction is a real possibility.
and slows breathing. Stimulants such
as Adderall increase attention but
also raise blood pressure and heart
rate. These side effects can be made
worse when prescription drugs are
not taken as prescribed or are abused
in combination with other substances—including alcohol, other prescription drugs, and even over-the-counter drugs, such as cold medicines. For
instance, some people mix alcohol
and benzodiazepines (e.g., Valium),
both of which can slow breathing.
This combination could stop breathing altogether, requiring emergency
care, or worse—it could be fatal.
• Addiction. Studies show that when
people take a medication as it is prescribed for a medical condition, such
•Withdrawal. Taking drugs repeatedly over a period of time can cause
changes in the body as well as the
brain, resulting in physical dependence (which is different from addiction). That is, the body adapts to the
drug’s presence, and when its use is
abruptly stopped, the person can experience withdrawal symptoms. This
can happen even in someone who is
prescribed medications and takes
them appropriately, which is why a
physician should be consulted when
stopping prescription medications as
well as when starting them. The withdrawal symptoms depend on the drug
itself for opioids, they can include
nausea, chills, vomiting, muscle
pain, and diarrhea. These symptoms
can often be controlled or diminished
with proper medical supervision.