Drug Misuse and Abuse Lesson 1

Drug Use  There is a difference between drugs and medicines.  Drugs - a substance other than food that changes the structure or function of the body.  Medicines are drugs used to prevent or treat illnesses and disease.

Types of Medicines  2 Types  Prescription Medicines- medicines that can be sold only with a written order from a physician.  Doctor gives specific directions- how much to take, how often, and how long.  Over the Counter Medicines - medicines that are safe enough to be taken without a written order from a physician.

Drug Misuse  Both prescription medicines and OTC’s can be misused.  Drug misuse - taking or using a medicine in a way that is not intended.  Side Effect - any effect of a medicine other than the one intended.  Upset stomach, drowsiness, sleeplessness, and headache.  Tolerance - condition in which a person’s body becomes used to the effect of a medicine and needs greater and greater amounts of it in order for it to be effective.

Drug Misuse Using a drug without following the instructions on the label Using a drug not prescribed for you Allowing someone else to use a drug prescribed for you Taking more of the drug than the doctor prescribed Using the drug longer than advised by the doctor What is drug misuse?

Drug Abuse  When you hear the term drug abuse, what do you think of?  Drug Abuse - intentionally using drugs in a way that is unhealthy or illegal.  Illegal drug use is always abuse.  Using legal drugs for nonmedical purposes is also drug abuse.

Addiction  Drug use can lead to tolerance.  Tolerance can lead to addiction.  Once addicted, the user can no longer function without the drug.  Drug addiction, like alcoholism, is a disease.