Journal of Bioequivalence & Bioavailability

Drug Misuse, Abuse and Addiction of Non-Prescription Medication in Older Adults

Dannie Baek^* Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, USA
^*Correspondence: Dannie Baek, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, USA, Email:

Received: 24-Jun-2022, Manuscript No. JBB-22-17648; Editor assigned: 28-Jun-2022, Pre QC No. JBB-22-17648 (PQ); Reviewed: 12-Jul-2022, QC No. JBB-22-17648; Revised: 19-Jul-2022, Manuscript No. JBB-22-17648 (R); Published: 26-Jul-2022, DOI: 10.35248/0975-0851.22.14.481

About the Study

Drug use is a major public health concern because of the wide range of harms it causes when used widely without a prescription. Drug abuse or substance abuse isn't not just about illegal drugs it may lead to social, physical, emotional, and workrelated problems. After marijuana, legal drugs are the most commonly abused drugs. Over-the-counter and prescription drugs help and heal us, but some of them can be addictive and dangerous if used incorrectly. Using some guidance may help to spot some commonly misused medicines because drugs come in many forms.

Tranquilizers such as Phenobarbital, Pentobarbital (Nembutal), and Secobarbital (Seconal) will help with anxiety, sleep disorders, and some seizures. But taking more than prescribed can lead to addiction. High doses can cause breathing difficulties, especially when taken with alcohol.

Drug abuse, misuse, and addiction are all serious public health challenges. Many people use these terms interchangeably because they all deal with the use of illegal drugs and the inappropriate use of legal drugs (tobacco, alcohol, prescription drugs, etc.). However, interventions for each issue will greatly vary from each other. Drug misuse is commonly associated with prescription drugs. Take prescription drugs as directed by the doctor. This is because these types of drugs can cause side effects if instructions are not followed.

Drug misuse

Substance misuse or drug misuse occurs when these substances are taken for purposes that are not consistent with legal or medical guidelines. For example taking the wrong dose, taking medicine at the wrong time or forgetting to take medicine, stop using the medicine suddenly, taking medication for reasons other than those prescribed, or taking non-prescription drugs.

Drug abuse

Substance abuse or drug abuse occurs when people abuse alcohol, illicit drugs, or other drugs containing psychoactive substances that will make them feel high or harm themselves. Drug abuse disorders are also called substance use disorders because of their marked changes in thinking, behavior, and bodily function.

Drug addiction

Drug addiction is also known as severe Substance Use Disorder (SUD). It is a brain disorder that manifests as uncontrolled use of a substance despite its consequences. Drug addicts have a physical and/or psychological need to use the substance because they experience severe or debilitating withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the substance. Drug addiction is a serious form of substance abuse.

The difference between the two disorders lies in how much control the user has over him. Substance abusers are still in control of their lives, so they do not experience much disruption in their lives. By contrast, addicts have disorders that affect most, if not all, aspects of their lives. They often miss work or school, endanger their families physically and/or financially, suffer health problems, or get into legal trouble or other serious problems because of their drug use. But they are unable to change their habits to improve their situation. As a result, many drug addicts are unemployed, homeless, or separated from their families. Some people may even at tempt to suicide. On the oth er hand , willpower alone is not enough to change the behavior of drug addicts. Their bodies are already chemically dependent on the substance and will require drug therapy. The process usually begins with a medically supervised detox period to help manage drug withdrawal symptoms. The psychiatrist then works with the patient to develop a recovery plan tailored to abstinence. If this plan includes regular attendance at support group meetings and follow-up therapy sessions to ensure patients have the tools and techniques to help them maintain a happy and healthy lifestyle. Drug addiction is also known as Substance Use Disorder (SUD). This is the result of uncontrolled drug use despite being aware of its negative effects. Typical signs of drug addiction include rewarding stimuli, engaging in substances or behaviors, and continuing to use drugs despite perceived negative consequences. Various types of drug and behavioral addictions include marijuana, amphetamines, nicotine, and video game or sex addictions.

Many people experience drug abuse and addiction as early as age 12. Drug use disorders or addictions can lead to both mental and behavioral disorders that result in loss of control over the use of certain addictive substances. Alcohol, over-the-counter drugs, narcotics, stimulants, and prescription drugs are some of the most commonly abused drugs. Much research is still being conducted into the various causes and effects of alcohol and drug abuse, and there is still a long way to go before the disease is fully understood. Alcohol and drug abuse can lead to many serious long-term health problems, especially when used in large amounts or combinations. It can cause seizures and damage the immune system. This increases susceptibility to infections and further complications, psychotic behavior, and serious cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and venous collapse, and even it can lead to liver overexertion and liver failure.