Prescription drug abuse

General or Other | - Others | Prescription drug abuse (Disease)


Description

Prescription drug abuse is the intentional use of a medication without a prescription, in a way other than as prescribed or for the experience or feeling it causes.

Causes and Risk factors

Multiple factors are within the causes of prescription drug abuse: misperceptions about their safety and increasing availability of drugs and varied motivations for their abuse. Among the most commonly abused prescription drugs are: opioids, CNS depressants and stimulants.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Treatments, including non-addictive medications, can help people counteract the symptoms of prescription drug addiction, help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings and regain control. Experts believe that combining addiction treatment medications with cognitive behavioral therapy is the best way to ensure success for most patients. ...