Over-the-counter (OTC) medications and supplements are often overlooked when it comes to the topic of substance use disorder (SUD). This is unfortunate and misguided. These OTC medications are regularly abused by adolescents and they can be detrimental and dangerous.
A scientific study reported in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that among study subjects, “the consumption of OTC meds [was] high (78.9%), with higher consumption in subjects aged ≤ 25 years (85.5%).” There are many reasons for this prevalence among those 25 and under. OTCs and supplements are often inexpensive, easily obtainable, and have a reputation for being less harmful than other meds. This is a dangerous combination when it comes to , especially among adolescent populations.
The reality is that teenagers will often experiment with more accessible substances such as OTCs and supplements. These often include stimulants, certain cold medicines (Robitussin for example), and laxatives, just to name a few. It is important to understand and recognize the dangers of OTCs. At times they can be just harmful as illegal substances.
Yes, OTC Medications Can Lead To Substance Use Disorder
To gain a distilled definition of what we’re talking about with OTC medications, let us look to the medical journal, Integrated Pharmacy Research & Practice. A pharmacist wrote a journal article explaining that any medications “obtained by patients for treatment of common ailments, without a prescription from a physician, are known as over-the-counter (OTC) or non-prescription medications.”
The author explained that “there is always a risk involved in using OTC medications. These include improper self-diagnosis, inappropriate dosage, dependency issues upon prolonged use, adverse reactions, and interactions.” Furthermore, “as most patients do not discuss their OTC medications with a physician, they are unaware of the risks associated with OTC medications.” Of course, most adolescents abusing OTCs are most likely not discussing them with their physicians.
There are two potential outcomes when it comes to OTCs and SUDs. One is that the individual can become dependent on the substance itself. This often happens with OTCs like caffeine pills or laxatives. Two is that the OTC medication will lead to the use of more illicit meds that will increase the effect that the person is seeking. For example, an individual that likes the feeling of caffeine pills may move on to using something more dangerous like the prescription medication Adderall.
Understanding the Dangers of OTC Medications
There are many dangers, symptoms, and side effects associated with OTCs. People may be surprised to discover that many of them are similar to other prescription and illegal substances. Of course, these dangers are also specific to the types of OTCs being abused.
The Dangers of Stimulants
One of the most abused OTC medications and supplements falls under the category of stimulants. These include extreme-caffeine products, which can now be found in such forms as pills, powders, beverages, and even inhalants. There are also “herbal” supplements that promote themselves as diet pills. Lastly, there are “muscle mass” supplements that claim to help with workouts but can also be abused by those looking for a euphoric feeling. All of these stimulants can dangerously increase heart rates, cause disoriented mental states, and even cause visual and audible hallucinations.
The Dangers of Cold and Cough Medications
Other frequently abused OTCs are various cough and cold medications. These can be highly dangerous because they can be sedating, create hallucinations and feelings of leaving the body, and lastly, can cause permanent liver and brain damage.
The Dangers of Laxatives
OTCs can also aid in the development of an eating disorder. This often applies to laxatives, which can be administered in pill form, suppositories, or even as beverages such as teas. These laxatives are enticing for those struggling with issues of eating disorders because they aid in the goal of weight loss. The problem is that the weight loss is often extreme. Laxatives can also cause severe damage to the digestive system and the muscles of other organs.
Treatment Options for OTC Medications
Just as the misuse of OTCs should not be minimized, the need for treatment shouldn’t either. Treatment for OTC can look very similar to that of other SUD recovery plans.
Treatments for those abusing medications can include therapy and psychotherapy to help address the underlying issues driving the individual’s OTC . It might include neuroscientific approaches like neurofeedback, which can help change the behaviors associated with OTCs. It can also include holistic practices that can help an individual incorporate a spiritual life into their practice.
In the final analysis, OTC meds and supplements are dangerous, can be deadly, and are being heavily abused by teenagers. It’s time to take notice, and it’s time to take action.
Just because substances are referred to as “over-the-counter” (OTC) does not mean they are wholly safe. The truth is that there are many OTCs that can be just as damaging, and deadly as prescription medications, and other forms of illicit items. Substances such as cold medications, caffeine supplements, and laxatives (to name a few) can be just as disruptive and damaging to an adolescent’s life if used in an abusive manner. It is for this reason that it is important to know which OTCs to look out for. It’s also important to know the warning signs and symptoms of OTC . Please call Clearview Horizon today at 866-584-4788 for more information.
