Health - Avoiding Hazardous Substances

Medication

substance that treats disease or relieves symptoms

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

the government agency responsible for making medications are safe to use, effective, and secure from tampering.

Over the counter (OTC) medications

substances that can legally be sold without permission from a healthcare professional

Prescription Medication

substances that can be sold only with permission from a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional.

Common OTC medications

• Analgesics: relieve pain (acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen)

• Antihistamines: Reduce allergy symptoms

• Antitussives: reduce coughing

• Decongestant: relieves nasal and chest congestion

• Antacids: relieve heartburn and indigestion

Types of Prescription Medications

• Antibiotics: kill or slow the growth of bacteria to prevent or cure an infection

• Antivirals or Antifungals: reduce the effects of viral and fungal infections

• Anesthetics: eliminate or reduce pain

• Antidepressant or antipsychotics: regulate mood and affect brain chemistry to help relieve the symptoms of some mental health conditions

Medication Delivery Methods

• Oral: taken through the mouth as a pill, capsule, tablet, or liquid.

• Topical: applied to the skin as an ointment, cream, lotion, spray or powder

• Inhaled: breathed in through the mouth or nose

• Liquid: applied to parts of the body other than the mouth or skin (eye drops)

• Injected: applied directly into the body using a needle

Side effect

unintended changes that develop in response to a medication. The effects can range from minor to severe. It is important to read the labels on all OTC and prescription medications.

Medication Interaction

when medications interact it may impact the effectiveness of the medication. Sometimes this is done on purpose and medications are taken together to increase effectiveness but also can be negative and even lead to death.

Drug Sensitivity

increased likelihood of developing negative side effects in response to a particular substance

Drug allergy

immune response in which the body treats a particular substance as if it is harmful to the body. Drug allergies can range from rashes and itching to swelling, breathing issues, and even death.

Tolerance

long-term medication use can lead to the body needing larger and larger amounts of the substance in order to achieve the same effect

Withdrawal

stopping a medication or substance after a long time can lead to withdrawal.  Symptoms include: depression, anxiety, severe fatigue, sleeplessness, and hallucinations

Dependence and Substance Abuse Disorders

the combination of tolerance and withdrawal can lead people to consuming even more of a substance and not being able to stop.

Medication misuse

the act of unintentionally not following the instructions for taking a medication

How To Use Medications Responsibly

• Read labels carefully

• Only take medications that are prescribed for you and are appropriate for your symptoms

• Keep in original containers

• Do not give OTC medications intended for adults to children and infants

• Keep out of reach of children and pets

• Check expiration date

• Dispose of medications properly

Medication abuse

use of a medication in an unintended or harmful way; includes using medications for unintended purposes, sharing or selling medications, taking too much medication, or combining medications without a doctor’s approval

Medication Stimulation vs Brain

Medications contain synthetic and natural chemicals that control how brain cells send, receive and process information. Some medications stimulate the brain to release dopamine. This can cause the brain of someone who abuses medications to start producing less natural dopamine decreasing motivation and pleasure

Dopamine

A major chemical in the brain's reward center; regulates motor behavior, motivation, pleasure, and emotional arousal

Medication vs Hormones

Some medications (Opioids) can cause a rush of dopamine and endorphins. When used correctly they can relieve pain, but can also lead to Euphoria

Euphoria

an intense pleasurable feeling or an intense high. As a person abuses a medication, the brain develops a tolerance and needs larger and larger amounts to achieve the good feelings. Combined with lower production of natural dopamine, the brain becomes dependent on the medication for these feelings. This can lead to a substance abuse disorder.

Other Health Effects

* Changes in appetite, weight loss or gain, diarrhea,  vomiting 
* Insomnia, sleeplessness, fatigue
* Muscle and joint pain
* Issues with blood clotting
* Weakened immune system

Cirrhosis of the liver

severe and permanent liver damage. The liver is unable to remove harmful substances from the blood . Toxins will build up and cause damage to the brain and body, eventually leading to death. There is no cure for this.

Overdose

the act of taking more of a substance than the body can break down at one time; can lead to serious health consequences and death