Misuse, Recreational Use, and Addiction in Relation to Prescription Medicines

Prescription Drug Misuse in “Clubbers” and Disco Goers in Ibiza

“…Furthermore, a number of novel designer benzodiazepines, with undisclosed toxicological profiles and variable potencies, have recently been made available in the drug market. They are developed in order to mimic prescription benzodiazepines and Z-drugs, but they may lead users to adverse events of various severities, particularly if used in combination with other substances ( 4 , 45 , 46 ).…”

“…Prescription medicine misuse or non-medical use is commonly defined as the use of medications without a prescription or in a manner other than prescribed ( 3 ). This includes a number of conditions, such as using these compounds for purposes other than the medical condition they were prescribed for (i.e., recreational use or self-harm), consuming at larger doses or higher frequencies than intended, using an alternative route of administration (e.g., intravenous), or co-using with alcohol or recreational drugs ( 4 ). Studies report that the prevalence of misuse of any prescription drug in the United States increased by 67% from 1991–1992 to 2001–2002, while treatment-seeking for prescription drug use disorders increased by 53% ( 2 ).…”

“…Such phenomenon is further complicated by the rise on the nightlife market of novel psychoactive substances (NPS). A number of these substances were originally developed as research chemicals and diverted for recreational purposes, as they often mimic the pharmacological effect of traditional drugs of abuse or popular prescription drugs ( 4 ). Their effects and related risks are often unknown to both users and health professionals, due to the scarcity of evidence-based information regarding their toxicological profiles and to the ever-changing nature of this market ( 7 , 26 – 28 ).…”