Drug dependence is the abuse of prescription drugs.
Prevention. There are many substances with addictive properties that are used as medication. For example, opiates for pain, benzodiazepines for anxiety and insomnia, etc. They can produce both physical and psychic dependence if the amount of time or the dosage indicated are exceeded.
Do not abuse drugs. They can cause you dependence to them or serious problems for your health.
Treatment. Consult your doctor and follow the dosage of prescribed medication strictly.
With respect to painkillers, or drugs that decrease the sensation of pain, habitual intake causes the brain to get used to the benefits and your ability to endure pain and discomfort is gradually diminished so that you need to take them regularly.
Psychotropic drugs, namely drugs used to treat mental disorders, are the most likely to cause dependence. Many of them produce severe withdrawal symptoms when they are taken continuously and then stopped.
Drugs that don’t require a prescription, called over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, can be abused for their psychoactive effects. These include:
- Analgesics for pain control.
- Cough suppressants, nasal decongestants.
- Antidepressants, tranquilisers and drugs for insomnia.
- Weight loss drugs.
- Antihistamines.
For more information visit:
Promoting Rational Use of Medicines: Core Components
http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/en/d/Jh3011e/
The benefits and risks of self-medication
http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/en/d/Jh1462e/1.html#Jh1462e.1.1
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