Prescription Drug Injuries

Throughout life there inevitably comes a time when health is compromised and a dependence on medication develops. This dependence may cease once health improves or, in some cases, this dependence becomes a problem in and of itself and can lead to a life-long addition to prescription medication and even greater health issues. The broad availability of prescription drugs and misperceptions about their safety are to blame for prescription medications abuse. Increased rates of high risk behaviors, including abuse of other drugs and alcohol, have also been reported among people who abuse prescription drugs.

Although addiction to prescription drugs is rare; in 2003, approximately 15 million Americans reported using a prescription drug for nonmedical reasons at least once during the year. The three types of most commonly misused drugs and their risks of abuse are:

Opioids (prescribed for pain relief)

• High risk for addiction and overdose. Abusers often crush the pills and inject or snort the contents, heightening their risk for respiratory depression and death.
• Dangerous combination effects. Combining opioids with other drugs, including alcohol, can heighten respiratory distress.
• Increased HIV risk. Injecting opioids increases the risk of HIV and other infectious diseases through use of unsterile or shared equipment.

CNS depressants (often referred to as sedatives or tranquilizers)

• Addiction and withdrawal dangers. These drugs can be highly addictive and when discontinued without a physician’s guidance can illicit severe withdrawal symptoms.
• Risk of overdose. Overdose can cause severe breathing problems and lead to death, especially when these drugs are combined with other medications or alcohol.

Stimulants (prescribed for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the sleep disorder narcolepsy, or obesity)

• Reputation as performance enhancers. These drugs are incorrectly perceived as safefor enhancing academic achievement and weight loss. They are highly addictive and potentially harmful.
• Range of risky health consequences. These include risk of dangerously high body temperature, seizures, and cardiovascular complications.

Drug addiction is a biological, pathological process that alters how the brain functions. Prolonged drug use changes the brain in fundamental and long-lasting ways. These long-lasting changes are a major component of the addiction itself. To treat prescribed drug abuse, it is often necessary to make major behavioral changes with the aid of a counselor.

There are steps that can be taken to protect your health and prevent prescription medicine addiction. These include keeping an open line of communication with your physician about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications. Be careful to take your medication(s) as prescribed on the label. Take time to read the information your pharmacist provides before starting to take medications. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about your medication, especially if you do not understand potential side effects or use with other medicine you may be taking.

For additional information about the prescription medicine injuries and what recourse you have if you or a loved one has been affected by prescribed drug abuse, please confer with an attorney.

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These Hubs are provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Professional legal counsel should be sought for specific advice relevant to your circumstances.