Drug and substance usability may either make it or break it!

"Everything is lawful," but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is lawful," but not everything builds up (1 Corinthians 10:23).

Drugs as part of God’s creations’ production are there not to be taken as something that will intentionally endanger one’s/community’s life but as a provision for a healthier life for the common good.

With an ever-sprouting overabundance of drugs to choose from, famous people have developed a wide variety of addictions over the years. Addiction has claimed the lives of way too many talented souls through the years. Whether it is from multiple failed attempts at sobriety or a powerlessness to get the dependence itself under control, addiction can take lives without dilly-dallying.

Cautious and mishandling of drug and substance

Most drugs and other chemical substances are ready to lend a hand when used suitably. Alcohol, for example, may offer cardiac benefits when taken in moderation, and can help promote relaxation and lessen apprehension. 

Regrettably, the mishandling of medications and drugs - both legal and illegal - as well as alcohol and tobacco - is an increasing problem in the older population.

“Drug abuse” or “substance abuse” is defined as the use of chemical substances that lead to an amplified danger of problems and a powerlessness to control the use of the substance.

Dependence (getting "hooked") on a drug or alcohol is specifically unsafe   to older people as they tend to have more damaging effects from these substances than younger individuals, including mental problems, kidney and liver disease, and injuries from falls. Dependence can happen even in older people who have never had an addiction problem before. 

Many older adults take a lot of different medications every day. These drugs may interact in a harmful way, or react with alcohol to cause problems. These problems might be mistakenly thought of as normal signs of aging but they are not. 

With some drugs, human body needs increasingly higher doses to get the original effect, or one may feel withdrawal symptoms when the drug is discontinued. This is referred to as drug “tolerance” meaning that the drug makes body change in these manners. Even small doses of particular substances may be enough to form a risky need for more. Besides, a drug that is advantageous when first prescribed may become detrimental when other drugs are added, or when there is a change in one’s health. 

Many different organ systems can be damaged by substance abuse and substance abuse has a big effect on society as well. Substance abuse has harmful effects on how one feels about her/himself, how problems or changes in one’s life and relationships are managed.  This can add to other challenges that are common in later life. 

The Most Common Types of Drug and Substance Abuse

Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications Abuse

Among older adults, prescription and over-the-counter medications, and alcohol are usually misused. Addiction to nicotine (cigarette, pipe, or cigar smoking) is also a widespread problem. Commonly misused drugs include anxiety pills, sleeping medications and pain medications.

Other older adults also abuse illegal drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, hallucinogens, and injected narcotics. Others misuse more than one substance. 

Many older adults who developed drug addiction have another serious medical condition, like chronic pain or a mental illness. 

Alcohol Abuse

For an older woman, light or moderate drinking is considered to be one beer, glass of wine, or 1-ounce shot of liquor per day.  For men, twice that amount is usually not a problem, but frequent heavy drinking can cause: 

• serious sickness, especially stomach and liver problems
• aggravate other medical conditions
• interfere with needed medications
• seriously reduce overall quality of life
• can be a factor to falls and injuries
• weaken sleep 

Likewise, any drinking that is associated with mental or physical problems, or the potential for accidents (drinking and driving) is considered problem drinking.

Tobacco Abuse

Tobacco abuse includes cigarette, pipe or cigar smoking.  In older people, smoking is the cause of many serious heart, lung diseases, and cancer. Besides, it makes many diseases, like diabetes, more complicated and disabling. 

The prevalence of drug and substance abuse

Alcohol or other drugs abuse is a common cause of physical and mental health problems in older Americans, especially older men. Rates of illegal drug use and dependence are lower in the older population than in younger people. However, other types of substance abuse like out of place use of prescription and over-the-counter (non-prescription) medicines are escalating. 

In the U.S., about three out of five older adults take painkillers frequently. More than one in five take a medication that affects their central nervous system and about 11% take benzodiazepines (a type of sedative). Older women are much more likely to use benzodiazepines than men. 

Up to one in three older people develop new problems with alcohol. Men are much more likely to be problem drinkers compared to women. Alcohol abuse tends to be higher in retirement communities and hospital populations compared to older people who live at home.  

List of addictive drugs[1][2]

Acamprosate assists in regaining alcoholics stay sober by preserving the chemical balance of the brain. It must be mixed with therapy and complete abstinence from alcohol to stay effective. There is also proof that acamprosate shields against neuron death caused by alcohol withdrawal.

Actiq is the brand name for fentanyl citrate, which is a narcotic used for the treatment of pain, and is used mainly for cancer patients who experience pain that is not relieved by other kinds of prescriptions.

Adderall treats symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It can be habit-forming and is typically given in combination with therapy or other treatment. It comes in tablet form and is orally taken (known for its side effects).

Alcohol is an intoxicating substance made from the fermentation of sugar, starch, and yeast. Ingestion of it depresses the central nervous system. It is speedily absorbed and affects the body's neurotransmitters, resulting in enhanced or depressed sensations and moods (recognized for its long and short-term effects).

Alprazolam is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders, depression or pre-menstrual syndrome and may be habit-forming. It decreases levels of abnormal excitement in the brain (known for its harmful effects)

Ambien is a brand name of the drug zolpidem, which is basically used as a short-term treatment for insomnia, and treat certain brain disorders. It effectively initiates sleep, but does not effectively maintain (known for its negative effects).

Amobarbital is a barbiturate-derived medication used as an injection before anesthesia prior to surgery, as short-term treatment for insomnia or anxiety relief. It has sedative and analgesic effects and if taken for extended periods of time, dependence can take place.

Amphetamine are psychoactive drugs that stimulate the central nervous system. They increase the release of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain while inhibiting reuptake. It is prescribed for several conditions, but they are also abused illegally.

Amytal is a strong sedative used to treat sleeping disorders like insomnia. It affects the nervous system by stimulating sleepiness, eventually letting the user to sleep. It is prescribed only for short periods of time brought by its strength.

Anexsia is a brand name used for the combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone. This narcotic drug is used to relieve moderate to severe pain. It is used to increase the effectiveness of the hydrocodone.

Antabuse is a brand name of the drug disulfiram, which prevents the breakdown of dopamine. It treats chronic alcoholism by causing sensitivity to alcohol. It is a possible cure for cocaine dependence.

Ativan is a brand name for lorazepam, which is a benzodiazepine used in the treatment of anxiety, epilepsy, IBS, and several other conditions. Low doses have sedative effects, whereas high doses can be hypnotic. It reduces activity in the brain for relaxation. 

Avinza is a morphine sulfate extended-release capsule administered once a day. It relieves moderate to severe chronic, long-term, non-cancerous pain in adults requiring around-the-clock pain relief. It treats osteoarthritis and lower-back pain.

Biocodone is a brand name medication that contains the narcotic opioid drug hydrocodone. It treat patients with moderate to severe pain. Side effects can include itching, nausea, drowsiness, and vomiting.

Buprenorphine causes effects similar to methadone and heroin. When given at low doses helps individuals addicted to opioids avoid withdrawal symptoms. It is a tablet placed under the tongue.

Butalbital is a barbiturate (bring on feelings of sedation commonly used to treat insomnia, anxiety and seizure disorders. Due to their euphoric effects, barbiturates like phenobarbital are frequently abused), which lessens anxiety and promotes relation. It is combined with acetaminophen and sometimes caffeine, and prescribed to treat tension headaches or other serious headaches. It is not available by itself. It may cause dependency.

Butorphanol is most commonly used to manage pain. It is a common treatment for migraine headaches. Studies have shown that women normally feel more pain relief from this drug than men.

Campral is a brand name for acamprosate, given to those who have formerly consumed alcohol to help them avoid drinking again. While it does not prevent withdrawal symptoms, it does assist the brain perform normally again.

Carisoprodol is a muscle relaxant commonly prescribed for muscle injuries such as strains or sprains. Taken as a pill orally, the main side effect may be an upset stomach and should ingested with food or milk.

Chlordiazepoxide treats the effects of alcohol withdrawal and the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. It must be ingested regularly to be effective but it can be habit-forming. It should not be taken for over four months.

Clonazepam helps control seizures, reduce panic attacks. It works by alleviating electrical activity in the brain. It may take several weeks to witness progress of symptoms.

Clonidine is an antihypertensive for treatments of high blood pressure, ADHD, and dysmenorrhea, among other conditions. It relaxes blood vessels and decreases a person's heart rate. It is taken orally in tablet and is often mixed with other medications.

Cocaine is a stimulant drug and is extremely addictive. It can be snorted, injected, and smoked. It stimulates the brain by releasing dopamine, which causes the feeling of pleasure.

Codeine is a prescription pain reliever taken in pill or liquid form and classified as an antitussive and opiate analgesic. This narcotic represses coughing, and alters the body's perception of pain by mimicking natural endorphins.

Concerta is a branded version of methylphenidate, used to treat the symptoms of ADHD, sometimes used to treat narcolepsy. It is part of the central nervous stimulant drug family and available in chewable, pill, and liquid form.

Crack Cocaine is freebase cocaine, which produces an immediate high and deemed as a highly addictive stimulant. Crack cocaine effects include psychological effects psychological effects like strong feelings of euphoria, increased energy, paranoia, insomnia, among others.

Crystal Meth is one of the street names for methamphetamine, a powerful stimulant that accelerates the central nervous system and the effects can last from 6-12 hours depending on the method of use.

Damason-P is a prescription pain reliever that contains a blend of aspirin and hydrocodone. The former lessens fevers and inflammation while the latter changes the nervous system's response to pain. It is classified as a narcotic and can be habit-forming.

Darvocet is a combination of acetaminophen and propoxyphene, used to treat pain and reduce fevers. In large doses it can be harmful or fatal. This was stripped off from the United States market in November 2010 by FDA request.

Darvon is a pharmaceutical-grade pain reliever that contains propoxyphene, caffeine, and aspirin. The FDA withdrew approval of this opioid in 2010 brought by the dangers of propoxyphene, as it can have negative effects on the heart.

Demerol is a brand name for meperidine, a pain reliever in the narcotics category, used for pain that is moderate to severe. It is the same with morphine, which can be very habit-forming.

Depade is an addiction-recovery medication that helps patients to avoid taking drugs or drinking alcohol. This is an opiate antagonist, which means it works in the brain to prevent opiate effects and lessens the craving to take opiates.

Desoxyn is a brand name for methamphetamine hydrochloride which is a stimulant that causes appetite suppression and is occasionally used to treat obesity in patients who have had fruitless results with other treatments. It is also used for ADHD treatment.

Dexedrine is a brand name of the drug dextroamphetamine, which produces feelings of sleeplessness, concentration, reduced fatigue, and appetite. It commonly treats ADHD and narcolepsy, and it may be used to treat obesity and certain types of depression.

Dextroamphetamine increases alertness and focus, reduce appetite and fatigue. It makes up approximately 75 percent of the ADHD treatment Adderall and also treats narcolepsy, treatment-resistant depression, and exogenous obesity.

Dextromethorphan (DXM) is widely used in over-the-counter cough syrups, which works by affecting the part of the brain that controls coughing. It is part of the antitussive family of drugs, which can cause dizziness and stomach uneasiness.

Dextropropoxyphene is found under the brands Darvon and Darvocet which treats mild pain. This analgesic is in the opioid drug category, and is also used for its local anesthetic and anti-tussive effects.

Dextrostat is a brand name for dextroamphetamine, a stimulant used in the treatment of ADHD, increases blood pressure and depresses the respiratory system while changing the brain's natural chemicals. This amphetamine has high potential for addiction and abuse.

Di-Gesic is the trade name for the analgesic dextropropoxyphene and an opioid that treats mild pain. It is no longer used in Europe and the United States because it was linked to arrhythmias and deadly overdoses.

Diazepam treats muscle spasms, seizures and anxiety disorder. It also controls agitation caused by the withdrawal of alcohol. It is taken orally, extended-release capsule or liquid concentrate form.

Dicodid is a trade name for hydrocodone, an opioid that acts as both a narcotic analgesic and an antitussive. Aside from managing and relieving moderate to severe pain, it may also be used as a cough suppressant.

Dilaudid is a brand name for the narcotic pain reliever hydromorphone and available in liquid or tablet form,  works in the brain by increasing tolerance to moderate or severe pain, so it is often used after surgery.

Disulfiram treats chronic alcoholism, works by causing unpleasant side effects when alcohol is consumed, such as headache, vomiting, anxiety and chest pain. It comes in tablet form and is taken orally.

Duodin is also known as hydrocodone, a semi-synthetic opioid derived from codeine and thebaine, is administered orally in tablet, capsule or syrup form, and used to relieve pain and suppress coughs.

Duragesic is an opiate analgesic applied as a skin patch, which can be habit forming. It is a brand of fentanyl patches, which treats chronic and severe pain that is not addressed by other narcotics.

Duramorph is an injected form of morphine, a narcotic pain reliever typically given in a clinic or hospital to relieve severe pain. Injection may be made at home by some patients themselves.

Ecstasy and MDMA The former is the street name street name for the latter medicine. MDMA is a synthetic psychoactive drug that stimulates feelings of euphoria, increased energy, and emotional warmth. It is taken orally as a capsule or tablet.

Fentanyl is a potent narcotic analgesic that treats severe or breakthrough pain. It is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine, frequently used in operating rooms, intensive care units, and cancer pain treatment.

Fioricet is a combination of caffeine, acetaminophen, and butalbital which is taken orally and can be habit forming. It usually treats migraine headaches. It causes an upset stomach so it should be taken with food. 

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