Healthcare Prescription Drugs and Medications Guide

Health Care - Drugs: prescription and medication

A drug is any biological substance, synthetic or non-synthetic, that is taken for non-dietary needs. It is usually synthesized outside of an organism, but introduced into an organism to produce its action. That is, when taken into the organisms body, it will produce some effects or alter some bodily functions (such as relieving symptoms, curing diseases or used as preventive medicine or any other purposes).

Note that natural endogenous biochemicals (such as hormones) can bind to the same receptor in the cell, producing the same effect as a drug. Thus, drug is merely an artificial definition that distinguishes whether that molecule is synthesized within an organism or outside an organism. For instance, insulin is a hormone that is synthesized in the body; it is considered as a hormone when it is synthesized by the pancreas inside the body, but if it is introduced into the body from outside, it is considered as a drug.

It is a substance which is not food, and which, when ingested, affects the functioning of the mind, or the body, or both. However, under the philosophy of Chinese medicine, food is also considered a drug as it affects particular parts of body and cures some diseases. Thus, food does satisfy the above definition of drug so long as ingestion of it would alter some bodily functions.

Disclaimers - Medical Disclaimer

Substance Abuse and Depression

Do we become abusers of substances to ease symptoms of an underlying depression, or can excessive use of alcohol or drugs bring on depression? The answer seems to be yes to both questions. Many people who are depressed "self-medicate" with drugs or alcohol. This can lead to addiction, as well as a more severe depression when the initial "high from a drug- or alcohol-induced euphoria triggers chemical reactions in the brain that lead to a more severe depression.

When people are depressed, they may experience other health or mental health problems. To relieve the symptoms of depression, some people turn to drugs or alcohol. Likewise, when people abuse alcohol and/or drugs, depression can develop. You may believe it is a good idea — to get high, to have fun, and to escape, but the consequences of substance abuse soon become apparent in your life. Like depression, drug and alcohol abuse is serious. The good news is that it is treatable and the key to treatment is to recognize the symptoms and not deny having them.

This website will take a look at this basic information about the connection between alcohol and/or drug abuse, depression, and ways to manage these conditions. You will also find information on prescription drugs and medications that can provide valuable insight to substances that can help or be easily abused.

by Nicolae Sfetcu and MultiMedia

This guide is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License

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