What Are Over-the-Counter Drugs?
© 2007 by OTCdrugtips.com - All Rights Reserved
When the word "drug" comes to mind, people either conjure up images of
illegal substances like cocaine and heroin—or they think of medical drugs. But
while people may distinguish between these two categories of drugs, a growing
trend links the two: over-the-counter (OTC) drug abuse.
While these medicines may seem innocent enough, more and more people are
intentionally misusing them.
OTC drug abuse is on the rise. Between 2000 and 2003, the American
Association of Poison Control Centers cited a doubling in OTC drug-related
calls to U.S. poison control centers. Emergency room visits having to do with
OTC drug abuse have also increased dramatically. Nor is this abuse just a
problem contained in North America. Countries around the world have also
seen a rise in abuse. In Switzerland, the Swiss Toxicological Information Center
saw a rise in calls relating to OTC products, which are easily bought in stores
and on the street.
Instead of seeking the drugs' medicinal benefits, users want to experience the
highs that accompany taking large amounts of some OTC drugs.
Unfortunately, these habits are detrimental to users' health. In fact, they can be
just as serious as illegal drug abuse.
======================================================
illegal substances like cocaine and heroin—or they think of medical drugs. But
while people may distinguish between these two categories of drugs, a growing
trend links the two: over-the-counter (OTC) drug abuse.
- OTC drugs are substances
that alter the body for
medical purposes but that
don't need a doctor's
prescription to be
purchased. This category of
drugs includes some
medicines that treat
headaches, colds,
coughing, and allergies.
Common medicines such as
Advil®, Tylenol®, and
Robitussin® are all
classified as over-the-
counter drugs.
While these medicines may seem innocent enough, more and more people are
intentionally misusing them.
OTC drug abuse is on the rise. Between 2000 and 2003, the American
Association of Poison Control Centers cited a doubling in OTC drug-related
calls to U.S. poison control centers. Emergency room visits having to do with
OTC drug abuse have also increased dramatically. Nor is this abuse just a
problem contained in North America. Countries around the world have also
seen a rise in abuse. In Switzerland, the Swiss Toxicological Information Center
saw a rise in calls relating to OTC products, which are easily bought in stores
and on the street.
Instead of seeking the drugs' medicinal benefits, users want to experience the
highs that accompany taking large amounts of some OTC drugs.
Unfortunately, these habits are detrimental to users' health. In fact, they can be
just as serious as illegal drug abuse.
======================================================
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