DRUG ABUSE: Illicit or Iatrogenic?

Time and again write-ups appear on drugabuse in the print media including Greater Kashmir. However the main focus ofthese write-ups is on the illicit abuse of drugs by spoiled youth and themeasures to curb it. In fact when we hear the word drug abuse the infamoussubstances such as Cocaine, Heroin, Brown sugar, Charas, Ganja, Alcoholconsumed by ‘bad’ people come to our mind. Most of these drugs areHallucinogens or mind-altering drugs. They are psychoactive and lead to drugdependence or addiction. Withdrawal symptoms are noted in the patient on theirdiscontinuation. Such patients can go to any extent for availing these drugs asthey are dependent on them.

But apart from illicit drug abuse,iatrogenic misuse of prescription drugs and indiscriminate self-medication bythe masses too is a cause of concern. Iatrogenic addiction occurs when apatient ends up abusing or becoming addicted to a drug prescribed by a doctorfor a legitimate complaint. For example, a doctor may prescribe sleeping pillsto a patient for a few days only but unfortunately the patient may go for selfmedication thereafter, leading to drug abuse. Similarly a doctor may prescribea stimulant drug to a patient for only a few days but such stimulants aremisused by college students as “Study drugs” for staying awake throughout thenight during exams for cramming up the notes. Such study drugs or smart drugscause physiological and psychological drug dependence leading to addiction,with severe long term consequences.

   

The vice of self medication has developedin the masses and thereby the overuse of drugs is common. Patients are directlyseen purchasing medicines from chemists without prescription from a qualifieddoctor. There are various ailments which take some time and are cured without takingmedicines once the disease completes its course, the human defense systemtaking care of the ailment. Indiscriminate use of prescription drugs such asantibiotics leads to Anti Microbial Resistance (AMR); some drugs have severeside effects whereas the psychoactive drugs lead to drug dependence oraddiction.

Overuse of drugs leads to their abuse;there being a so called ‘Right’ and a ‘Wrong’ kind of drug addict. Theprescription drugs particularly the psychoactive substances such as sleepingpills and stimulant study drugs are much more dangerous than illicit drugs asthe former are easily available in the market whereas there is a ban on illicitdrugs. Masses need to refrain from self medication whereas parents need to keepa strict vigil on their school or college going wards vis-a-vis consumption ofstudy drugs. A balanced diet coupled with adequate exercise is the key forsound physical and mental health. Drugs should be the last option and avoidedwherever possible.

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