Reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) states that developing countries face issues in terms of prescribing medicines. Therefore, there are numerous well-recognized survey approaches including an assessment based on WHO drug use indicators. When it comes to WHO prescription drug addiction, it mostly depends on how the individual uses the drug. WHO indicators are used by many health facilities to prescribe medications. Therefore, this article analyzes how the WHO regulates prescription and several measures to battle WHO prescription drug addiction.

What is prescription drug addiction?

This results when an individual taking a prescription medication becomes dependent on it. This occurs when an individual takes an addictive drug as prescribed. It also occurs when a person abuses their medication.

Misuse involves using prescription medications in an unauthorized way. This means, taking a prescription medication at a dose or in an unprescribed manner. For example, taking extra doses of a drug all qualify as prescription drug abuse. Prescription drug abuse can also result from taking a medication that was meant for someone else. 

Reasons for prescription drug addiction

There are several reasons why people misuse and abuse prescription drugs. Most people usually respect their prescription medications. However, as they become more tolerant, they increase usage. This makes individuals begin using the medication more often than usual because they want intense effects. 

Different prescription medications result in different effects and people abuse the medication to get specific effects. Common WHO prescription drug addiction medications include.

• Prescription stimulants

People usually consume such medications to help with academic or work performance. Some people also use it to study to get a competitive edge at work or school. Older adults may abuse prescription stimulants to gain concentration and memory. Appetite suppression is a common side effect of prescription stimulants, and many people are using them for weight loss.

• Prescription opioids

Opioids increase relaxation and euphoria in many people. Some people consume them in higher doses to feel good and get “high.” Others abuse prescription pain pills to manage chronic pain and other ailments. People with a prescription opioid addiction usually consume the drug to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

• Prescription sedatives, hypnotics, and tranquilizers

People usually abuse these drugs to help with anxiety or insomnia. Once you become dependent on this drug, you experience negative side effects.

Health effects of prescription drug addiction

When patients use prescription medications as prescribed it works accordingly. However, abusing prescription drugs can prompt many health problems, including addiction. Some of the severe effects of this addiction include:

• Opioids: These medications lead to Low blood pressure, slowed breathing, coma, overdose, and death.

• Stimulants: These medications increase body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and aggression.

• CNS Depressants: Common effects include low blood pressure, slowed breathing, memory loss, coma, and death. Suddenly quitting sedatives, and anti-anxiety medicines can lead to seizures and withdrawal symptoms.

Prescription drugs are very dangerous when you combine them with powerful over-the-counter medications.

Treating prescription drug addiction

The best treatment options for this drug addiction include medically managed detox and withdrawal-symptom management. Individuals can also go for counselling and therapy to change behaviours.

Bottom line

The WHO is high against the misuse of prescription drugs. Therefore, WHO prescription drug addiction is severe and can lead to loss of life.