Prescription Drug Abuse - Alcohol Abuse Makes Prescription Drug Abuse More Likely

Alcohol abuse has been known for a long time as a menace for both men and women but what appears more shocking is the fact that the alcohol abuse often results to more serious kinds of prescription abuses in both men and women. It has been proven through studies that both genders suffer from alcohol use disorders or the AUD, and these people are 18 times more likely to report non-medical use of prescription drugs as compared to the people who don't drink at all.

This has been proven through recent researches by professors and college universities and the shocking revelation provides a new insight in this regard. Till date it had been usually considered that alcohol usage would be reduced through the consumption of other forms of drugs and medicines but the increased use of prescription drugs as an attempt to get over the consumption of alcohol has been considered as a serious factor that could lead to added health problems for the person who has been consuming the same.

As per this study it has also been proved and revealed that the young adults were most at risk for concurrent or simultaneous abuse of both alcohol and prescription drugs. It has been seen that the drug abuse is often repeated through use of prescription drugs by these young adults and even when they are trying to get rid of their habit of alcohol consumption. It is suggested here that the clinicians, who have been asserted this task of providing prescription medicines, should ask patients with alcohol use disorders about non-medical prescription drugs or what is commonly known as NMUPD.

They should also be asking their patients about the non-medical users of prescription medications about their drinking behaviors so that the people suffering from the same are able to educate themselves with about the adverse health outcomes associated with using alcohol and prescription medications taken simultaneously. Various studies have revealed that the largest group of alcohol and prescription drug abusers was between the ages of 18 and 24. Most of these were students from colleges and universities that were renowned for their high level of education.

It has also been seen that almost 12 percent of this group had used both alcohol and prescription drugs, but non- medically within the last year but at different times. But almost 7 percent had taken them at the same time or consumed their simultaneous usage. The alcohol and prescription drugs used simultaneously can result in severe medical problems including alcohol poisoning, unconsciousness, respiratory depression, and death at times. This also results in other risky behaviors such as drunk driving and unplanned sex along with minor side effects.

Most of these prescription drugs include various kinds of sedatives, tranquilizers, painkillers, and stimulants, which are generally safe and effective medications for patients, but when they are taken along with the consumption of alcohol it can lead to sever side effects and hence the prescription drugs should be avoided. Hence the factors about alcohol abuse should be considered by the clinicians before prescribing medicines for drug abuse and related issues.

• Janny Raines
• 03/01/2009, 12:59 PM
• 0 Comments