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What is prescripton drug abuse?
3 December 2025
This refers to the excessive consumption of prescription medications to find relief from certain pains or discomforts, which can lead to a dependency that may put one’s health at risk.
Among the most commonly abused prescription drugs are analgesics, anxiolytics, stimulants, opioids, and sedatives. Adolescents and young adults are the most prone to consuming these types of medications, with the goal of relaxing, being more alert or concentrated, reducing appetite, or simply feeling good.
There are a number of factors that can contribute to prescription drug abuse, such as:
- Easy access.
- Addictions to other substances, such as alcohol and tobacco.
- Lack of awareness about the side effects or damage from drug abuse.
- Family members with substance abuse problems.
- Mental health conditions.
- Pressure from a social group or environment where addictive substances are consumed.
Signs and symptoms Prescripton Drug Abuse
They depend on the type of drug, but generally include:
- Anxiety.
- Mood swings.
- Confusion.
- Motor incoordination.
- Constipation.
- Dizziness.
- Nausea.
- Progressive increase in dosage and frequency.
- Paranoia.
- High blood pressure.
- Concentration and memory problems.
- Slow breathing.
- Abnormal heart rhythm.
- Excessive euphoria.
- Drowsiness.
- Sleep disorders.
Prescription drug abuse can be life-threatening, especially when high doses are taken, combined with other medications, or consumed with alcohol or illicit drugs.
Diagnosis and treatment Prescripton Drug Abuse
Once your doctor analyzes your symptoms and medical history, they will perform a physical examination and order blood and urine tests.
The treatment to follow depends on the type of medication abused, but generally includes:
- Psychological counseling.
- Detoxification.
- Medications to treat the addiction.
At the Department of Internal Medicine of the ABC Medical Center, we provide medical care services with the highest quality and safety, from the prevention, diagnosis, timely treatment, and follow-up of infectious, respiratory, endocrinological, dermatological, rheumatic, nephrological, gastrointestinal, and hematological conditions, both chronic-degenerative diseases and acute conditions, through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary model.
Related centers and departments Prescripton Drug Abuse
Fuentes:
- adam.com
- nih.gov
- cun.es
- kidshealth.org
- ccadicciones.es
- medlinesplus.gov
- mayoclinic.org
- medigraphic.com
- Guirola FJ, Pérez BL, García GY, et al. Intoxicaciones agudas por medicamentos consumidos con fines de abuso. Rev Cub Med Mil. 2019;48(3):519-531.
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The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.
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