Med. praxi. 2024;21(5):302-305 | DOI: 10.36290/med.2024.027

Drugs with addiction potential

PharmDr. Ivana Tašková, PGDip

Oddělení klinické farmacie, Psychiatrická nemocnice Bohnice, Praha

Bezpečnost a kvalita léčiv, Farmaceutická fakulta, Masarykova univerzita, Brno

Drug abuse is a serious problem in the Czech Republic, affecting 8-13 % of the population. This phenomenon contributes to significant negative health, social, and economic consequences, including higher hospitalization rates and increased mortality. The most commonly abused and overused drugs are sedatives, hypnotics, and opioid analgesics, which are easily accessible and frequently prescribed medications, but also psychostimulants, antiepileptics, etc. This article focuses on analysing current trends in drug abuse in the Czech Republic, identifying at-risk groups, and managing dependency. Drug abuse is a serious problem among adolescents and young adults, and it is also more prevalent among patients with mental disorders and those suffering from chronic pain. Current measures to prevent abuse include educating healthcare professionals, monitoring prescriptions, and raising public awareness about the risks associated with drug overuse. Despite these measures, drug abuse is still on the rise, indicating a continuously increasing consumption of these risky medications. A more intensive approach and better coordination between healthcare, social, and legal institutions are needed. A long-term strategy should include a comprehensive approach, including legislative changes, expansion of preventive programs, and support for research in this area.

Keywords: drugs with addiction potential, opioid analgesics, benzodiazepines, stimulants.

Received: July 16, 2024; Revised: August 2, 2024; Accepted: August 5, 2024; Published: December 2, 2024  Show citation