Citation

Martins SS, Ghandour LA. World Psychiatry 2017; 16(1): 102-104.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, World Psychiatric Association, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/wps.20350

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Nonmedical prescription drug use, generally defined as use without a prescription or use for reasons other than what the medication is intended for, is a global concern, primarily driven by the high and rising phenomenon of nonmedical use of prescription opioids in young populations. Prescription drugs are legal and hence tend to be more easily available than most illegal drugs.

Nonmedical use merits particular attention given the high degree of abuse potential[1] and numerous ill-health consequences, that vary depending on the drug. Nonmedical use of prescription stimulants can lead to irregular heart rate, hypertension, cardiovascular system failure, stroke and seizures, while nonmedical use of prescription opioids can cause respiratory suppression and overdose[2]. Most of drug-related deaths worldwide are due to either prescription opioid or heroin overdoses. A recent review has illustrated worldwide increased rates of deaths from prescription opioids[3], with the exception of Australia. In Europe, prescription opioids account for three-quarter of overdose deaths, which represent 3.5% of total deaths among 15-39 year olds....

Language: en