The Harmful Effects of Prescription Drugs

by: Gerardo Sanchez

Did You Know?

After alcohol and marijuana, prescription and over-thecounter drugs are the most commonly abused substances
by Americans 14 and older
An estimated 52 million people have used prescription drugs
for non-medical reasons at least once in their lifetime
Every day, 105 people die as a result of drug overdose in the
United States - 60% of drug overdose deaths were related to
prescription medication in 2010

What is Prescription
Drug Abuse?
Prescription drug abuse is when medications which
have psychoactive properties are taken in ways or
amounts not intended by a doctor, or taken by
someone other than the person for whom they are
prescribed

Diagnostic Criteria Establishing

that a Substance Use Disorder
Exists
The DSM-V diagnostic criteria for Opioid Use Disorder,
Sedative, Hypnotic, or Anxiolytic Use Disorder, and Stimulant
Use Disorder are given below

A. A problematic pattern of drug use leading to clinically

significant impairment or distress, as manifested by at
least two of the following, occurring within a 12-month
period:
1. Drugs are often taken in larger amounts or over a
longer period than was intended.
2. There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to
cut down or control the specific drug use.
3. A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to
obtain the drug, use the drug, or recover from its
effects.
4. Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use the drug.

Diagnostic Criteria Establishing

that a Substance Use Disorder
Exists (continued)
5. Recurrent drug use resulting in a failure to fulfill major
role obligations at work, school, or home.
6. Continued drug use despite having persistent or
recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or
exacerbated by the effects of drug.
7. Important social, occupational, or recreational activities
are given up or reduced because of the drug use.
8. Recurrent drug use in situations in which it is physically
hazardous.
9. Drug use is continued despite knowledge of having a
persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem
that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the
drug.

Diagnostic Criteria Establishing

that a Substance Use Disorder
Exists(continued)
10. Tolerance, as defined by either of the following:
a.

A need for markedly increased amounts of drug to

achieve intoxication or desired effect.
b. A markedly diminished effect with continued use of the
same amount of the drug.
Note: This criterion is not considered to be met for those
taking the drug solely under appropriate medical
supervision.

11. Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:

a.
b.

The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the drug.

The drug (or a closely related substance) are taken to
relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Note: This criterion is not considered to be met for those
taking the drug solely under appropriate medical
supervision.

Severity Levels for

Substance Use Disorders
Mild: Presence of 2-3 symptoms
Moderate: Presence of 4-5 symptoms
Severe: Presence of 6 or more symptoms

Substance Use Disorders Signs

and Symptoms of Intoxication
Opioids

Sedatives

Stimulants

Drowsiness

Slurred speech

Tachycardia

Slurred speech

Incoordination

Bradycardia

Mental confusion

Unsteady gait

Pupillary dilation

Impairment in
attention

Elevated/lowered
attention or
or memory

Impairment in
blood pressure
memory
Nausea

Stuper or coma

Perspiration/chills

Constipation

Nausea or vomiting

Depressed respiration

Weight loss

Psychomotor agitation
Muscular weakness
Respiratory Depression
Chest pain
Confusion/seizures

How and Where Drugs Affect The Body

Prescription Drug Use Among

Adolescents
In 2010, 1 in 12 high
school seniors
reported past-year
nonmedical use of
Vicodin and 1 in 20
reported nonmedical
use of OxyContin

TREATMENT STRATEGIES
Successful treatment strategies may incorporate
several components, including detoxification,
counseling, and sometimes the use of medication
multiple courses of treatment may be needed for the
patient to make a full recovery
2 main categories of prescription medication addiction
treatment:
Behavioral
Pharmacological

Behavioral Treatment
Help clients stop drug use by teaching them
strategies to function without the drugs, to deal
with cravings, to avoid drugs and situations that
could lead to drug use, and to handle a relapse
should it occur
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, which focuses on
modifying the clients thinking, expectations, and
behaviors while increasing skills for coping with
various life stressors, has been used successfully to
treat prescription medication addiction

Application of 12 Steps to
Prescription Medication Addiction
Treatment
Pills Anonymous World Service (http://www.pillsanonymous.org /)
Similar to AA and NA, with focus on prescription medication users
Only requirement is a desire to stop using pills
No dues/fees and not affiliated with any religious group, politics,
organization, or institution
Narcotics Anonymous World Services (http://www.na.org/)
No focus on any particular drug or alcohol only requirement for
membership is to be an addict
Currently have more than 61,000 meetings in 129 countries
No dues/fees and not affiliated with any outside organizations
(religious, government, law enforcement, medical or psychiatric
associations)
The Addiction Recovery Guide (resource to find programs):
http://www.addictionrecoveryguide.org/resources/recovery/

References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental
disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.

Lawson, G., Lawson, A. W., & Rivers, P. C. (2001). Essentials of chemical dependency
counseling (3rd ed.). Gaithersburg, MD: Aspen Publishers.

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2011). Prescription drug abuse. Retrieved April 30,
2014, from http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/prescription-drugs

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2012). Drug facts. Retrieved April 30, 2014, from
http://www.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/prescriptions_0.pdf

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2014). Drugfacts: Nationwide trends. Retrieved April 30,
2014, from http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/nationwide-trends

Parks, N., & Knutson, J. (n.d.). Prescription drug abuse. Retrieved April 30, 2014, from
http://www.jeffsapp.com/jeffsapp.com/My_460_assgn_files/NolanRx.pdf