Following the loss of his wife, Roy was treated with tranquilizers. Initially, X
ID: 3497893 • Letter: F
Question
Following the loss of his wife, Roy was treated with tranquilizers. Initially, Xanax, helped with Roy’s sleep and eased the pain due to his loss. The tranquilizers did what they were suppose to do; slow down the central nervous system and create a calming effect. However, Roy soon found himself taking more pills than were designated with his initial prescription. After Roy’s doctor stopped prescribing, he began seeking out additional medical specialists to fill a prescription. He was successful in his efforts. In Roy’s mind this was justified as he experienced unbearable sorrow, and the drugs were not “illegal”. Roy began missing work and finding himself fatigued when he did make it to work. After a period of time, Roy was fired. Subsequently the use of tranquilizers and pain-killers continued to increase. Eventually, under the influence of the tranquilizers and pain-killers, Roy found himself in an automobile accident that nearly took his life and three others in a second vehicle, including two young children. While in the hospital Roy began treatment. The treatment was designed to alleviate his withdrawal symptoms, and the psychological addiction to the pain-killers, that now included OxyContin, an opioid agonist with an addiction potential similar to morphine. After an extensive stay in a treatment center, Roy was off the pain-killers that began to ruin his life. However, several months later Roy found himself depending on caffeine, tobacco, and marijuana just to make it through the day.
1. Why was it so easy for Roy to become addicted to the prescription drugs, and how did he justify his continued abuse of the pain-killers?
2. Roy eventually started abusing OxyContin. Why is this considered one of the most dangerous drugs in its class and for what reason(s) is it prescribed today?
3. Discuss the differences between psychological addiction and physical addiction as related to the use of tranquilizers.
4. Discuss ways that physicians, pharmacists, and others can help to prevent drug abuse similar to that experienced in this case.
Explanation / Answer
1. Roy never intended to get addicted to the drugs,however it was easy as it helped to ease his pain, become less anxious, and/or sleep better. he continued to use them due to the numbing it resulted in. He justified the usage in his mind, as he claimed to be suffering and in grief, and he deserved to feel better. Besides, he wasn't doing anything wrong as the drugs were not illegal, and before he knew that they could cause harm, he was already addicted to it.
2. Oxycontin is extremely effective in reducing pain, and has proven to be invaluable. however, it is extremely easy to get addicted to it, a high dosage of which can cause intense effects and increase the risk of complications.
PHYSICAL SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF OXYCONTIN ABUSE
Other signs of OxyContin abuse include the usual signs of any form of opioid abuse: