Posted by It’s not uncommon to take less or more amounts of a prescribed drug. However, the effects of this action can become very serious very fast, especially when prescription medicine is overused. When you use a prescription drug in a way that a doctor does not prescribe, you are misusing that medication. Misuse of certain drugs with addictive qualities may lead to addiction with undesirable consequences. The good news is that there are measures you can take to prevent all this from happening. Here are some ways to avoid or prevent to abuse of prescription medicine.
Tips for Preventing Substance Abuse
Preventing or discontinuing nonmedical prescription medication usage is important to patient care. Certain people, on the other hand, may benefit from the following:
- prescription stimulants
- sedatives
- narcotic pain medicines
As a result, Arizona clinicians must weigh patients’ legitimate medical demands against the danger of overuse.
- Use the drug precisely as directed
Follow the guidelines on your medication to reduce the risk of prescription drug misuse. Never alter the dosage without first consulting your doctor. Take steps to understand your medication as well. You should be aware of which consequences are typical and which are abnormal. Patients can take precautions to ensure proper prescription medicine use by:
- Never discontinue or change a dosage regimen without first consulting with your doctor.
- Being cautious of potential interactions with other medicines as well as alcohol.
- Following the directions on the label or from the pharmacist
- Safely storing prescription stimulants, sedatives, and opioids.
- Never use another person’s prescription or give others their prescription drugs.
- Understand the development of substance abuse
Commonly abused prescription medications trigger the brain’s reward center. Therefore, physical dependency and addiction are conceivable.
Substance abuse begins with:
- Using addictive drugs for recreational purposes (whether illicit or prescribed).
- Every time you use it, you’re looking for drunkenness.
- Prescription medicine abuse.
Addiction and physical dependence
Addiction
People addicted to a substance may have a physical dependence. However, they also seek the drug obsessively and continue using it even if it causes severe issues.
Physical reliance
Physical dependence, often known as drug tolerance, is the body’s reaction to long-term drug usage. People physically reliant on medication may require bigger doses to achieve the same results. They may have withdrawal symptoms when abruptly reducing or discontinuing the substance.
- Seek professional help
Once you or your loved ones discover a sense of dependency or addiction, the first step is to consult a professional. Identifying and consulting with a drug rehab in Arizona can be the first step to healing. Also, substance misuse and mental disorders frequently coexist. If you are suffering from a mental ailment like anxiety, depression, or PTSD, you should get professional assistance from a competent therapist or counselor. A professional will teach you healthy coping methods. These help you manage your symptoms without resorting to medications or alcohol.
- Proper storage, labeling, and disposal of prescription medicin
- To store drugs, keep them in their original child-resistant container.
- Consider storing all medications in a secure container.
- Ensure drugs are safely stored, especially during gatherings and college dorms.
Exposing expired or unused prescription drugs are important in reducing prescription medication addiction. Do not save medication after it ends. Instead, properly dispose of unneeded medication.
Prescription medicine abuse has been more rampant over the past few years. People who need pain relievers, sedatives, or stimulants to treat a medical condition may become addicted to prescription drugs. The two main causes of prescription drug abuse are ignorance and mental health issues. By following these tips, you can avoid overdosing or under-dosing on prescription medicine.