How to Counter the Evils of Over-the-counter Drug Addiction

 

If you think that the usual cough, cold or headache medications that you normally see on the shelves of pharmacies and drug stores are used properly by everyone, think again. In fact, the  truth is that over-the-counter (OTC) medications are generally available without a prescription, and are often safe at recommended doses. However, they can also be abused. But, even though these are less potent (or as harsh) as other substances like cocaine or ecstasy, they can still pose a high risk for developing a nasty addiction. Read on to learn more on what steps are being done to counter the evils of over the counter drug addiction. 

Even Recreational Addiction to OTC Drugs Can Alter the Brain

Whether the person is addicted to cough medicines like dextromethorphan, or cold medications like pseudoephedrine, or motion sickness pills, over the counter drug addiction in the long run may alter or damage the brain's chemistry. 

According to health experts, OTC drug addicts eventually build a tolerance to the drug, which prompts them to require more of the substance to get the previous effects. And, even when they stopped using the drug already, the person may develop withdrawal symptoms that are hard to control. 

The most common symptoms of  over the counter drug addiction include irritability, confusion, agitation, anxiety, depression and mood changes. The problem with this type of substance addiction is that it can be difficult to spot. 

For example, OTC medications like Tylenol and other cough medications do not carry the same dangerous image as illicit substances like ecstasy, opium and cocaine. Thus, most folks don't see them as addictive, and many of their loved ones or friends will not know that they're already addicted to it. 

The Grim Statistics of OTC Abuse

Some of the signs of over the counter drug addiction include continuing to use the drug despite knowing the consequences, and spending too much time and money using or getting them. In 2005, the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) issued a warning regarding dextromethorphan  abuse after a series of incidences caused by the medication. 

The World Health Organization also notes that around 3.1 million young adults aged 12 to 25 have used non-prescription cough and cold medications just to get high. An estimated 4% of 12^th graders in the United States have also been noted to have abused some form of cough medicine.  

The Treatment/Intervention Options for OTC Addiction 

According to drug intervention specialists, those who suffer from over the counter drug addiction have  a lot of effective treatment options to choose from, whether it's individual or group therapy, mental health counseling, and psychotherapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). 

There are also inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs and interventions which allow recovering addicts to stay sober, improve their lives and get helpful resources for preventing a relapse. 

Recovering addicts can also attend 12-step groups like Narcotics Anonymous (or any group that resembles this in their hometown), where they are afforded the love and guidance by fellow recovering substance abusers and their guidance counselors.