Living Well and Healthy, Part 7

Drug Problems.  Drug abuse includes the use of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, or other “street drugs,” and the abuse of legal prescription drugs.  Tranquilizers, sedatives, painkillers, and amphetamines are misused most often, sometimes unintentionally.

Some people turn to drugs as a way to get a “high” or to deal with stress or emotional problems.  When a person develops a physical or psychological need for a drug, he or she becomes dependent on the drug.

Withdrawing from a drug can cause uncomfortable symptoms like muscle aches, diarrhea, or depression. The usual treatment for drug dependence is to reduce the dose of the drug gradually until it can be stopped completely.

Prevention.  Like any medical problem, alcohol and drug dependence can be stopped before it starts.  Here are some preventive measures from Healthwise Handbook:

• Look for signs of mental stress.  Try to understand and resolve sources of depression, anxiety, or loneliness.  Don’t use alcohol or drugs to deal with these problems. 
• Educate your children about the effects of alcohol.  Children are less likely to use alcohol or other drugs if their parents teach them early (during the elementary school years) about the effects of alcohol.
• If you drink, do so in moderation: not more than two drinks a day for men and not more than one drink a day for women.  One drink is 12 ounces of beer, five ounces of wine, or one ounce of hard liquor.
• Don’t drink alcohol or use drugs if you are pregnant.
• Ask your pharmacist or physician if any of your current medications could potentially lead to overuse or dependence.  Be especially cautious of painkillers, tranquilizers, sedatives, and sleeping pills.  Follow the instructions carefully, and do not exceed the recommended dose.
• Do not suddenly stop taking any medication without your physician’s supervision.
• Avoid alcohol when you are taking medications.  Alcohol can react with any drugs and cause serious complications. 

(Managing stress, the seventh basic foundation of lifelong health, will be discussed next Monday, May 13, 2013. – J.P.)