Other risk factors for prescription drug abuse include prior problems with alcohol or tobacco abuse; a family history of substance abuse issues; certain pre-existing psychiatric conditions that may be triggered by drug experiences; and in some cases, easy access to medications whether through the home medicine cabinet or compliant doctors. Although it’s hard to believe, given the amount of drug education, some people believe pills are not a serious drug problem, save for acquiring the medications, and thus do not realize that there are some health issues that may occur from repeated abuse.
Addiction in Older Adults
Addiction in older adults may be harder to trace. The multiple health problems associated with growing older may lead to multiple drug prescriptions, and particularly when combined with alcohol and a lack of social activities, may lead to addiction.
Taking drugs usually builds a tolerance that leads to higher and higher doses. When combined with alcohol or other drugs, including over-the-counter medications and illegal drugs, complications can occur. Opioid abuse can lead to a lowered breathing rate, low blood pressure, and eventually coma. Sedative and anti-anxiety medication abuse may lead to memory issues, low blood pressure and slowed breathing, particularly when combined with alcohol. People who take the sedatives may experience hyperactivity and seizures if they withdraw abruptly from taking the medications.
Stimulants can skyrocket blood pressure, cause seizures, tremors, aggressiveness and hallucinations, and users can become extremely paranoid. Vision also can be affected.
Because the brain’s reward center is stimulated by ingesting certain prescription drugs, long-term users are compelled to use higher doses. This creates symptoms of physical addiction and a compulsive need for the drug, which can lead to desperation and criminal acts in the addicted, including risky behaviors in return for drugs, motor vehicle accidents, poor job or school performance, and increasingly seeking the company of others involved in drugs and abuse.