December 3, 2014 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 13 Prescription drugs being abused more than ever Prescription medications can save lives and help people manage severe illnesses or conditions. When used correctly, medica- tions can provide the help needed to alle- viate the symptoms of certain conditions. Too often, however, medications -- par- ticularly prescription drugs -- are used improperly. The results can be dangerous and addictive. Prescription and over-the-counter drugs are safe, but only when taken under the supervision of a physician or in adherence with instructions on the bottle. When pre- scription or OTC medications are not taken according to the instructions provided or used for longer durations than recom- mended, seemingly safe medications can become problematic. The National Insti- tute on Drug Abuse says approximately 16 million Americans reported using a prescription for nonmedical reasons in 2010. According to the National Associa- tion of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities in Canada, they have found a higher inci- dence of use and misuse, particularly of prescription medications, across the coun- try. Estimates suggest that 13.7 percent of all Canadians will misuse pain medica- tions. With predictable highs and easy acces- sibility, prescription medications are par- ticularly attractive. There is little stigma over having a prescription pill bottle in the medicine cabinet. Often, those eager to misuse these drugs need only scour their own homes or the cabinets of relatives to find a stash of pills at the ready. Some medications also are sold over the Inter- net or end up on the street from those who realize how lucrative a business selling these pills can be. The National Institute on Drug Abuse says depressants, opioids, and morphine derivatives and stimulants are the most commonly abused drugs. Potential health consequences of many of these drugs can be addiction, increased risk of respiratory distress, slowed breathing, lowered blood pressure, and death. These side effects may increase in severity when medications are taken in concert with alcohol. It is not just prescription medications that can be abused. OTC drugs like cough syrup, asthma inhalers, antacids, and sleep aids, also can be dangerous and addictive. While the risks associated with OTC drugs pale in comparison to those associated with prescription drug abuse, OTC medications can affect the liver and kidneys when taken in excess. To prevent medication abuse, follow these few tips. Do not borrow or share medications. A doctor has picked a drug dose and type for the prescribed person’s specific needs. Drugs affect everyone differently, so bor- rowing from another person can produce adverse results. Do not mix drugs. Combining stimu- lants with cold medication, for example, can cause extremely high blood pressure or an irregular heartbeat. Medications should always be used as directed, and a pharmacist or doctor should be consulted to answer questions about using other drugs with a new prescription. Alcohol and drugs do not mix. Alcohol, a depressant, can exacerbate the effects of many medications. Alcohol also may com- promise decision-making abilities, which could lead to overdose of certain drugs. No matter how safe a drug may seem, it is wise never to take it with alcohol. Drugs purchased on the street or from unreliable sources on the Internet may not have the same potency or composition as drugs sold at a legitimate pharmacy. The purchaser cannot be assured of the ingre- dients or how the drugs will perform. Children should be warned about mis- using drugs, and medications should be kept out of their reach. Drugs should not be characterized as cure-alls and should never be compared to candy. Properly dispose of any unused pills. There is no need to save some for later if the condition has been effectively treated. Many municipalities provide regular col- lections of unused and unwanted drugs where residents can drop off their old pre- scriptions and OTC medications for proper disposal. Prescription drugs are now being abused at a higher rate than ever before. Just because they are sold at a pharmacy does not make these medications safe to use in improper ways, and individuals should exercise caution and follow instruc- tions when taking prescription and OTC medications.