Drugs

In general, drugs are preparations used medicinally to cure and/or improve symptoms of illness or medical conditions. Medicinal drugs are usually designated into three categories—over-the-counter (OTC) medications, which are available in pharmacies and supermarkets without special restrictions, behind-the-counter (BTC), which are dispensed by a pharmacist without needing a doctor's prescription, and prescription only medicines (POM), which must be prescribed by a physician or licensed medical professional.

Illegal drugs or street drugs are chemicals or chemical compounds that a person is forbidden by law to have. They are often addictive. The word "addictive" means that a person will want to keep taking the drug even if he or she knows the drug will cause harm. Illegal drugs can damage a person's health, and even cause death by an overdose of the drug.

Prescription drugs are only safe for the individuals who actually have prescriptions for those drugs and who take them in the prescribed fashion. A doctor has examined these people and prescribed the right dose of medication for a specific medical condition. The doctor has also told them exactly how they should take the medicine, including things to avoid while taking the drug — such as drinking alcohol, smoking, or taking other medications. The doctors are aware of potentially dangerous side effects and can monitor their patients closely for these concerns.

Whether they're using street drugs or medications, drug abusers often have trouble at school or work, at home, with relationships, or with the law. The likelihood that someone will commit a crime, be a victim of a crime, or have an accident is higher when that person is abusing drugs — no matter whether those drugs are medications or street drugs.

Like all drug abuse, using prescription drugs for the wrong reasons results in serious risks to a person's health. Opioid abuse, for instance, can lead to vomiting, mood changes, decrease in ability to think (cognitive function), and even decreased respiratory function, coma, or death. This risk is higher when prescription drugs like opioids are taken with other substances like alcohol, antihistamines, and CNS depressants.

Q: Are there risks to taking drugs prescribed for another person?

A: Absolutely. Taking prescription drugs without a physician monitoring the results or being aware of the interaction of other medications can be health- and life-threatening.

Q: Can I become addicted to over-the-counter drugs?

A: Too much of any drug—or a drug taken too frequently—can become addicting, in the sense that you begin to look forward to the effect the drug produces, even if you know your health and well being is at risk.