The silent addiction

What are some of the drugs that come to mind when you think about abuse or addiction? Cocaine, heroin, Ecstasy, nyaope?

Have over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medicines ever come to mind when thinking about abuse or addiction?

According to Sanca, some of the most commonly abused OTC and prescription medicines are benzodiazepines (tranquilisers), analgesics (painkillers), codeine products and sleeping tablets – medicines that we often keep at home.

Despite the popular belief that these medicines pose little to no risk, they can be harmful if you abuse or are addicted to them. In addition to incorrect use of these medicines leading to tolerance, physical dependency or addiction, it can also lead to certain health conditions or be life-threatening.

As part of Sanca’s Drug Awareness Week (24 to 30 June) ER24 is urging people to follow the recommended doses, directions and warnings that come with the medicines they buy or to adhere to their medical practitioner’s instructions. People who abuse or are addicted to any medicines are urged to seek help.

According to Sanca, most people do not acknowledge that they have a problem because these medicines are viewed as safe and legal. “We call these ‘silent addictions’. People can easily hide this type of addiction and it takes a long time for family or loved ones to realise that there is a problem”, said Adrie Vermeulen, Convener of the Sanca Treatment Portfolio.

“We also live in a chemically-orientated society that finds it socially acceptable to use these legal medicines, making it easy to hide and use them,” she went on.

According to Adrie, some of the long-term effects of the abuse of OTC and prescription medicines include liver damage, stroke, ulcers, gastrointestinal disorders, gallstones, chronic constipation, depression, constant rebound headaches, neurological problems, psychiatric problems and even death in some cases.

Some of the short-term effects of using or abusing OTC or prescription medicines are drowsiness, vision impairment, loss of co-ordination and concentration, vomiting and even hallucinations in some cases.

All medicines need to be used with caution as we all react differently. “Aspirin for example, interacts with blood thinners, antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines. Pseudoephedrine, which is found in cough and cold medicines interferes with the anti-depressants or stimulants used for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). OTC sleeping aids can contain antihistamines and if too much is taken can have a reverse effect, leading to seizures and heart rhythm abnormalities. OTC laxatives (sodium phosphate) can cause dehydration and abnormal levels of electrolytes in the blood, leading to kidney failure. People might combine OTC medicines with other substances, such as some pain relievers that contain paracetamol and aspirin (both painkillers) and caffeine. If taken with soft drinks containing caffeine, these pain relievers can result in an euphoric feeling, because of the extra caffeine,” said Adrie.

Children

Parents are urged to pay close attention to their children to ensure that they are not abusing or addicted to OTC or prescription medicines.

According to Sanca, parents may be unaware that teenagers are raiding their medicine cabinets in order to have ‘fishbowl’ parties. “A fishbowl party is one where everyone throws medicines into a bowl and the result is shared. Normally, alcohol, cigarettes and/or other illegal drugs are involved in the process. Some cough mixtures that contain codeine and even alcohol are reported to have been abused by teenagers. Most painkillers and cold and cough medicines contain codeine to suppress coughing, and other ingredients to relieve mild to moderate pain. Codeine is part of the opioid family, like heroin and morphine. If it’s used as instructed, it will benefit the person, but if abused, it could cause dependency and have harmful consequences,” said Vermeulen.

Tips for using OTC and prescription medicines in a safe way

Most people are unaware of the ingredients in the medicines they take and as a result, they could accidentally use too much. People might unintentionally mix their medicines with other OTC or prescription medicines that counteract the effect of the original medicine. To use these medicines safely, Adrie suggests the following:

• Keep a record of all the medicines you use. Inform your doctor and pharmacist so that they can identify the interactions with each other.

• Read the labels and warnings carefully to understand the ingredients and their possible side effects.

• Use a measuring tool to administer the correct dosage with cough mixtures and other liquid medicines.

• Do not crush or split medicines unless directed to do so by your doctor.

• Do not mix and match different OTC medicines.

• Do not take OTC medicines for longer than 10 days for pain or longer than three days for fever. Seek medical attention if symptoms continue.

• Do not use someone else’s prescribed medicine.

• Destroy unused or expired medicines in a responsible manner. Take them back to your pharmacy – they will have access to safe disposal methods.

• Keep medicines safely away from babies and children. Ensure that all medicines are controlled by adults.

• Do not take yourself off chronic medicines without the assistance of your doctor as you might experience withdrawal symptoms that can in some cases be life-threatening.

• Seek professional help if you suspect that you or a loved one is addicted.

When do OTC and prescription medicines become a problem?

If you answer YES to any of the following questions, you need to speak to your medical doctor or seek professional help:

• Are you using more than the recommended dose and for longer periods than prescribed?

• Are you using the medicine even after the initial reason for using it has ended?

• Are you using different doctors and/or pharmacies to obtain large doses of the medicine?

• Are you using alcohol or other illegal drugs with your medicines?

• Are you using the medicine for non-medical reasons – such as the euphoric feeling you get from it?

• Are you obtaining medicines through illegal means or stealing from family, friends or others?

• Are you becoming addicted? Are you unable to stop on your own? Have you experienced withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop?

• Has your functioning become impaired, problematic and unmanageable due to your medicine-seeking behaviour?

• Are you pre-occupied with obtaining and using your medicine to such an extent that it is negatively impacting on your life?

• Do you share and/ or swap medicines with other people?

For help, call Sanca on the toll free number 086 147 2622124.

Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.

For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites Randfontein Herald, Krugersdorp News and Get It Joburg West Magazine

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