Abusing Over The Counter Drugs Illicit Uses For Everyday Drugs

The government has approved them. You don't need a prescription. You can get them at practically any supermarket. So obviously over-the-counter medications can't be dangerous, right? Wrong. When taken in ways other than directed, over-the-counter medications can be just as dangerous as many illegal drugs. And because there's a false sense of security about the medications—and because they are in almost everyone's home medicine cabinet—the abuse and misuse of over-the-counter medications are on the rise. Abusing Over-the-Counter Drugs: Illicit Uses for Everyday Drugs presents the facts about this alarming trend. You'll learn what drugs are most misused, the effects of misused over-the-counter medications, and what the government is doing to stem the problem. You will also find suggestions on how to get help to stop abusing over-the-counter medications.

For the past several years, over-the-counter drug abuse has been steadily on the rise. Heavy use has increased among students in middle school and high school. The number of emergency calls to poison control centers across the country has risen dramatically. Many young people have the impression that since these drugs are available in stores and can be bought by anyone, they must be safe. However, when taken in large amounts or over a long period of time, these drugs can have lasting, serious - even deadly - side effects. Over-the-Counter Drugs delves into the history, science, and prevalence of abuse of these drugs. It also explores why young people abuse drugs and provides information about addiction and treatment.

Containing more than 450 entries, this easy-to-read encyclopedia provides concise information about the history of and recent trends in drug use and drug abuse in the United States—a societal problem with an estimated cost of $559 billion a year. Despite decades of effort and billions of dollars spent to combat the problem, illicit drug use in the United States is still rampant and shows no sign of abating. Covering illegal drugs ranging from marijuana and LSD to cocaine and crystal meth, this authoritative reference work examines patterns of drug use in American history, as well as drug control and interdiction efforts from the nineteenth century to the present. This encyclopedia provides a multidisciplinary perspective on the various aspects of the American drug problem, including the drugs themselves, the actions taken in attempts to curb or stop the drug trade, the efforts at intervention and treatment of those individuals affected by drug use, and the cultural and economic effects of drug use in the United States. More than 450 entries descriptively analyze and summarize key terms, trends, concepts, and people that are vital to the study of drugs and drug abuse, providing readers of all ages and backgrounds with invaluable information on domestic and international drug trafficking and use. The set provides special coverage of shifting societal and legislative perspectives on marijuana, as evidenced by Colorado and Washington legalizing marijuana with the 2012 elections.

This volume presents readings from a variety of perspectives that allow readers to better understand and navigate the topic of drug abuse. Both conservative and liberal points of view are provided in an even balance. Readers will evaluate drug abuse causes, the impact of the war on drugs, the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs, and whether drugs should be legalized. They will learn about varying methods of preventing drug abuse. Stellar sources include Dr. Harold Koplewicz, The Economist, Northbound Academy, John Stossel, Genevieve Pham-Kanter, and Jane Bianchi.

You've seen the ads: "Never diet again! Our all-natural treatment magically melts away the pounds!" "Want to boost your athletic performance? Dr. Smith has found the secret to improved stamina and strength with his all-natural formula!" "Need more energy? Our all-natural juice product will give you the pick-me-up you need!" After all, what do you have to lose? If it's all natural, it can't hurt. Or can it? If you have trouble believing these ads, you're right to be skeptical. "All-natural" dietary supplements seldom deliver the amazing results they claim. And just because they're natural, doesn't mean that some of these substances can't cause serious damage to a user's health. Read Natural and Everyday Drugs: A False Sense of Security to find out more.

Prescription drugs are among the substances most often abused by teens, after tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana. Abusing prescription drugs, such as painkillers, depressants, and stimulants, can have severe short-term side effects as well as long-term health consequences. It can also result in dependence or addiction. This book raises awareness of the dangers of misusing prescription drugs. Personal stories are shared through sidebars and a substantial resource section complements the reading experience.

Having a drug addiction is hard enough. So is having a mental illness such as schizophrenia, depression, or an anxiety disorder. Imagine having them both. You'll find out what that's like in Dual Diagnosis: Drug Addiction and Mental Illness. Many people suffer from both an addiction to a drug and another mental illness, making everyday life almost impossible. Dual Diagnosis explores ways to deal with dangerous addictions on top of mental illness. The book covers what addictions and mental illnesses are, diagnosis, and multiple treatment options. You'll also read inspirational stories about people who have suffered with—and overcome-dual diagnosis.

It seemed like an easy answer. If a child was diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder—ADHD—give him Ritalin and all would be better. The answer—and the condition—turned out not to be that easy. Recreational Ritalin: The Not-So-Smart Drug provides an overview of ADHD and the drug most often prescribed to treat the condition. This book provides you with a description of other drugs like Ritalin and their effects, good and bad. You will also learn about ADHD and the controversy surrounding its diagnosis and treatment. But Ritalin and other drugs like it have moved out of the classroom and away from their legitimate uses in treating a medical condition. College students and young professionals are now using the drugs to gain that "extra edge" to achieve success. Recreational Ritalin: The Not-So-Smart Drug tells their stories as well. You will also discover how Ritalin abuse is being effectively treated.