The misuse of medicinal products

People expose themselves to the dangers of substance abuse when they take medicinal products in the following manner: use without medical justification, use of medicinal products prescribed to other people, overdose and incorrect/improper manner of use.

Abuse of certain addictive substances, including medicines, is a consequence of modern times that presents an ever-increasing problem. On the other hand, the black market for pharmaceuticals, which expands each year, makes medicinal products more accessible with a large number of them being available online. Pharmaceuticals that are often abused, such as stimulants, opioids, barbiturates and benzodiazepines, are of insufficient quality or counterfeit. Such products are abused, creating habitual use that leads to addiction.

The abuse of medicinal products is also considerably widespread among young people: cases where individuals risk their own lives by using certain medicines, most often to improve cognitive functions, are not uncommon.

For the purpose of reducing abuse and deliberate improper use of medicines, effective measures have to be established. Particularly important is the quality of communication about the safety of medication use, user education regarding treatment methods and administration purposes, as well as the possible side effects of medicinal products.

In the near future, it would be desirable to take necessary measures that would, along with pharmacovigilance activities, lead to a reduction in the abuse of medicinal products, including the consequences that could arise due to their improper use.