Common Causes of Over the Counter Drug Abuse

Understanding OTC Drug Abuse

The misuse and abuse of over-the-counter (OTC) medications is a growing concern. In recent times, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, instances of such misconduct are expected to rise. However, there is limited research on the patterns, causes, and consequences of these incidents [1].

Impact of OTC Medication Misuse

While OTC medications are commonly used for a broad range of minor illnesses, their misuse can lead to severe complications. The consequences can be as drastic as addiction and even death. In addition, misuse of these medicines can induce adverse clinical outcomes.

Factors contributing to the abuse of OTC medicines during the COVID-19 pandemic include the implementation of remote healthcare services, especially online ordering of medications, which has made OTC medicines more accessible and identifying their abuse more challenging. Additionally, the pandemic has led to increased levels of stress, fear of infection, isolation, sorrow, loneliness, and financial worries, all of which can increase the risk of OTC medicine abuse.

Commonly Abused OTC Medications

The misuse of OTC medicines during the COVID-19 pandemic has been triggered by factors such as lack of access to healthcare, fear of contracting the virus, unavailability of physicians, COVID-19-related misinformation on social media, and accessibility of medicines after the large-scale implementation of online drug ordering and home delivery of medication worldwide.

The misuse of OTC medicines can result in poor knowledge about therapeutic dose and duration, masking the symptoms of a severe health problem, potential drug-drug interactions, and the spread of misuse through sharing experiences with others. This makes it important to understand the common causes of over the counter drug abuse and take necessary steps to prevent it.

In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the factors contributing to OTC drug abuse, the risks and consequences of such abuse, how to recognize OTC drug addiction, and the treatment options available. By understanding and addressing this issue, we can work towards a healthier and safer society.

The Rise of OTC Drug Abuse

In recent years, the misuse of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs has become an increasingly prevalent issue. The factors that contribute to this surge and the specific impact during the COVID-19 pandemic are essential aspects to consider in understanding the broader context of OTC drug abuse.

Factors Contributing to OTC Abuse

Several factors contribute to the rise in OTC drug abuse. The accessibility of these medications, especially with the implementation of remote healthcare services and online ordering, has made it easier for individuals to obtain these drugs and harder for authorities to identify misuse [1].

Furthermore, inadequate policies mapping the selling and dispensing of OTC medicines, along with poor pharmacovigilance legislation, have increased the availability of these medications, contributing to their misuse. The lack of early warning systems for pharmacists to detect individuals intending to misuse these medications is another significant challenge.

OTC Medication Misuse during COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has notably exacerbated the problem of OTC drug misuse. The outbreak has led to increased utilization of OTC medicines due to infection symptoms, fear of contracting the virus, fear of quarantine, and the inability to seek medical care [1].

Moreover, the pandemic has triggered a substantial rise in self-medication practices, with a prevalence ranging between 33.9% and 51.3%. Antipyretics, antihistamines, cough suppressants, and vitamins are commonly used without medical supervision to manage a broad range of symptoms.

The pandemic also brought about stress, fear of infection, isolation, sorrow, loneliness, and financial worries for many people, increasing the risk of OTC medicine abuse.\

Understanding these factors is crucial in forming effective strategies to address and mitigate the common causes of over-the-counter drug abuse.

Risks and Consequences

The misuse and abuse of over-the-counter (OTC) medications pose serious health risks and consequences. Despite being safe when used at recommended doses, OTC drugs can cause significant harm when consumed in excessive amounts.

Health Risks of OTC Drug Abuse

Abusing OTC medications can lead to addiction or the use of more dangerous drugs down the road. Commonly abused OTC medications include cough medicines (Dextromethorphan), cold medicines (Pseudoephedrine), and motion sickness pills (Dimenhydrinate). Abusing these medications can lead to a euphoric "high," hallucinations, and serious health issues like irregular heartbeat and shortness of breath [2].

Recreational use of OTC drugs can change the brain's chemistry over time, leading to tolerance and withdrawal symptoms upon stopping use. This progression can lead individuals to seek more dangerous or illicit drugs in search of a better high.

In 2005, the FDA issued a warning about Dextromethorphan abuse after a series of incidents caused by the drug. According to the Addiction Center, approximately 3.1 million young people aged 12 to 25 have used a nonprescription cough and cold medication to get high, and about 4% of 12th graders have abused some form of cough medicine.

Consequences of OTC Drug Overdose

Overdosing on OTC medications is a serious concern that can lead to life-threatening reactions or even death. Medicines containing Dextromethorphan (DXM) or Loperamide, when consumed in excessive amounts, can slow or stop breathing, causing hypoxia. Hypoxia can result in short- and long-term mental effects, nervous system issues, coma, permanent brain damage, and death [3].

The potential for OTC drug abuse underscores the importance of understanding the common causes of over-the-counter drug abuse. Proper education, awareness, and monitoring are crucial steps in preventing OTC drug misuse and the associated risks and consequences.

Recognizing OTC Drug Addiction

Recognizing addiction to over-the-counter (OTC) drugs is a crucial step towards seeking help and recovery. Understanding the signs, symptoms, and effects of withdrawal can provide valuable insights into the nature and extent of the problem.

Signs of OTC Drug Addiction

The misuse of OTC drugs such as Dextromethorphan (DXM) or Loperamide can lead to addiction, characterized by health problems and failure to meet responsibilities at work, school, or home. Signs of DXM addiction can range from mild stimulation or alcohol- or marijuana-like intoxication at low doses, to hallucinations, physical distortion, panic, paranoia, anxiety, and aggression at high doses. Misuse of DXM products containing acetaminophen can also result in liver damage.

While the symptoms of withdrawal from these substances have not been extensively studied, the existence of such symptoms is an indicator of dependency on the drug.

Withdrawal Symptoms and Effects

Recreational use of OTC drugs can change the brain's chemistry over time, leading to tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. Overdosing on OTC medicines containing DXM or Loperamide can lead to life-threatening reactions or even death. In overdose situations, breathing often slows or stops, causing hypoxia. This lack of oxygen can result in short- and long-term mental effects, nervous system issues, coma, permanent brain damage, and death.

Common symptoms of OTC drug withdrawal include restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes with goosebumps, and involuntary leg movements [2].

Recognizing these signs and symptoms of addiction and withdrawal is an essential step towards seeking help. Various treatment options are available for those suffering from OTC drug addiction, including individual and group therapies, mental health counseling, and psychotherapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Both inpatient and outpatient rehab programs can significantly reduce the odds of relapse for individuals recovering from OTC drug addiction [2].

Treatment Options

Overcoming the misuse of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs isn't an easy journey, but it is possible with the right treatment options. There are various therapeutic approaches and rehab programs available for those suffering from OTC drug addiction.

Therapeutic Approaches for OTC Addiction

One of the key treatment options for OTC drug addiction is therapy. This can take multiple forms, including individual therapy, group therapy, and mental health counseling. These are designed to help the individual understand the root cause of their addiction, develop coping mechanisms, and build a strong support network.

Another highly effective therapeutic approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This form of therapy focuses on changing harmful thought patterns that lead to destructive behaviors, like drug abuse. By identifying these patterns and learning new, healthier responses, individuals can significantly reduce their chances of relapse.

These therapies work by providing a safe and supportive environment where individuals can explore their addiction, understand its underlying causes, and develop strategies to overcome it. They provide the tools and skills necessary to manage cravings, avoid triggers, and establish a healthier lifestyle.

Rehab Programs and Counseling

In addition to therapy, rehab programs can also be extremely beneficial for those struggling with OTC drug addiction. These programs can be inpatient or outpatient, depending on the severity of the addiction and the individual's personal circumstances.

Inpatient rehab programs offer a structured and immersive treatment experience. They provide round-the-clock care and support, with a focus on detoxification, therapy, and recovery. These programs are typically recommended for individuals with severe addictions or those who have tried other treatment options without success.

On the other hand, outpatient rehab programs allow individuals to receive treatment while continuing to live at home. They can maintain their usual daily activities, such as work or school, while attending treatment sessions. This type of program is often suitable for individuals with less severe addictions or those who have a strong support system at home.

Both types of rehab programs can significantly reduce the odds of relapse, offering a comprehensive approach to recovery that includes medical care, therapy, and ongoing support [2].

The journey to recovery from OTC drug addiction can be challenging, but with the right treatment and support, it is certainly achievable. It's important to remember that recovery is a process, and it's okay to ask for help along the way.

Noteworthy OTC Medications

While there are many over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can be misused, two of the most commonly abused are Dextromethorphan (DXM) and Loperamide. Understanding the risks associated with the misuse of these drugs can help in prevention and early intervention efforts.

Dextromethorphan (DXM) Misuse

Dextromethorphan, or DXM, is a cough suppressant found in many OTC cold medicines. At low doses, DXM can cause mild stimulation or effects similar to alcohol or marijuana. However, when taken in large quantities or combined with other substances like alcohol or marijuana, DXM can lead to more severe effects such as hallucinations, physical distortion, panic, paranoia, anxiety, and aggression.

In addition to these psychological effects, DXM misuse can also have physical consequences. Specifically, the misuse of DXM products that contain acetaminophen can result in liver damage. Moreover, overdosing on DXM can lead to life-threatening reactions or even death, as the drug can slow or stop breathing, causing hypoxia. This lack of oxygen can result in short- and long-term mental effects, nervous system issues, coma, permanent brain damage, and death [3].

Loperamide Abuse and Effects

Loperamide is an anti-diarrheal medication that is also commonly misused. This drug can cause euphoria similar to other opioids when taken in large quantities. However, Loperamide misuse can also lead to a variety of negative physical effects including fainting, stomach pain, constipation, changes in vision, loss of consciousness, erratic heartbeat, and kidney problems. These effects can be especially severe when the drug is taken in combination with other interacting medicines [3].

Like DXM, overdosing on Loperamide can lead to life-threatening reactions or death, primarily due to slowed or stopped breathing. In addition, misuse of Loperamide can result in addiction, characterized by health problems and failure to meet responsibilities at work, school, or home.

In conclusion, while OTC medications like DXM and Loperamide can be useful when used correctly, their misuse can lead to severe health consequences. Therefore, it's important to use these medications only as directed and to seek help immediately if you or someone you know is struggling with OTC drug abuse.

References

[1]: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9988622/

‍[2]: https://www.addictioncenter.com/drugs/over-the-counter-drugs/

‍[3]: https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/over-counter-medicines

‍[4]: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8196755/

‍[5]: https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/ss/slideshow-commonly-abused-drugs