Causes and risk factors
An individual can get addicted to any kind of drug if they have taken it for relieving of any kind of complaints like for relief of pain or to increase the appetite or to relax oneself from stress. Out of anxiety or fear also some may start taking certain drugs. The most common drugs of prescription abuse are painkillers, sedative, stimulating medications etc.
Clinical presentation:
The symptoms vary as per the medication used. The patient can come up with variety of complaints. Affection both at the level of physic and mind is seen. Depression, drowsiness, irritability, confusion, restlessness and altered moods etc can occur. At the level of physic the person can present with constipation, diarrhea, weight loss, sweating, insomnia, palpitation, pain in abdomen, decrease appetite, increase in blood pressure etc. Ultimately it can not only hamper the work efficiency but also the interpersonal relation. Over a period of time an individual can become completely dependent or addicted on the drug. The person can become prone for committing illegal crimes and activities.
Investigations:
Diagnosis is done on the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient and the physical examination carried out by the doctor. There is no specific test for diagnosing the drug abuse. The detail history taken from the patient will help the doctor to evaluate. Certain questions in form of a questionnaire can be given by the doctor. Routine blood test and certain other investigations can be advised by the consultant as per the individual case.
Treatment:
Usually a drug abuser does not realize the need for medical intervention; however in such cases initiation for medical treatment should be extended by the family members. Adoption of Detoxification program is the main line of treatment. Ant abusive oral drugs or injected medications are started. Counseling plays a major role. Support from family and friends should be extended. Measure to manage stress, inculcating meditational and spiritual support, getting involved in positive recreational activity are the certain steps to be implemented.
Other modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the disease. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms.
Recent update:
According to a research carried out by the Duke and Pennsylvania State universities, the programs that are designed to eradicate the prescription drug abuse from the teenagers have different effectiveness; in some cases it has shown excellent results while in some it causes no change.
