Over-the-counter addicts - a secret addiction
By Liz Lockhart
Whilst we are well aware of drug addiction, often considered to be associated with illegal substances, another type of addiction is emerging. Mental Healthy has written on the subject of substance addiction and about the separate topic of addiction to prescription medication. Another article explains the steps to freedom from tranquilliser addiction.
A new study investigates an emerging addiction which is often associated with codeine-based medicines purchased across the counter.
Dr. Richard Cooper, lecturer in public health, school health and related research from the University of Sheffield undertook this U.K. study. Cooper and his team examined the current issues related to over-the-counter (OTC) medicine addiction by investigating the experiences of individuals affected by medicine abuse.
Opinions were also obtained from pharmacists and assistants at medicine counters and key stakeholders.
The addicted individuals in the qualitative study all described the use of an opiate which is usually codeine. For the majority of the individuals the initial use of the medication was associated with a legitimate medical condition.
The different types of abuse were identified based on quantity of medicine taken. This ranged from never exceeding the maximum recommended dose through to taking significantly higher doses than recommended.
All of the subjects described withdrawal symptoms and using the medication for different reasons other than clinically indicated and all had attempted to stop. Addicted individuals, interestingly, turned to the Internet to find support groups or for information on medical treatment with the objective of hiding their addiction.
None of the participants looked for help from the pharmacist. This is because the individuals blamed themselves more than the pharmacists, regulation, manufacturers or doctors for their over-the-counter medicine addiction.
Bases on the individuals own recognition of, and the use of the word addiction, coupled with their own desire to present themselves as being normal and very different from their perception of illicit drug abusers they were termed to be ‘respectable addicts’.
The researchers say that health professionals and policy makers identified codeine as a key problem, but supported the continued availability of over-the-counter medicines to enable to public to manage their own symptoms, as long as the risks were known. However, concerns were raised in relation to the current lack of treatment and support options and the availability of medicines via the Internet as an increasing safety concern.
Key issues identified by Cooper’s team include:
- Protecting individuals from the potential harms of medicines while ensuring they remain accessible to the public;
- Recognizing that OTC medicines are often considered less harmful than prescription medicines but are still capable of causing addiction;
- Providing addiction services to a “hidden” and secretive group of individuals who perceive themselves to be respectable and professional and different from others.
Cooper concluded ‘Raiding awareness to over-the-counter medication addiction and improving treatment and support options are key to managing these and other issues discussed in the study.’
Source: Pharmacy Practice Research Trust
