Similarities, Differences, and Appropriate Use of Psychoactive Drugs of Abuse and Psychotherapeutic Medications

Similarities, Differences, and Appropriate Use of Psychoactive Drugs of Abuse and Psychotherapeutic Medications

Psychoactive drugs of abuse and psychotherapeutic medications share the ability to alter brain function and mental states, yet significant differences exist in their development, medical oversight, and legal status. Psychotherapeutics undergo extensive research, clinical trials, and regulatory approval by entities like the FDA to assess their safety and efficacy for treating specific psychological disorders (Hart & Ksir, 2018). In contrast, drugs of abuse lack such rigorous vetting, are often obtained illegally without medical oversight, and lack accepted medical uses (Hart & Ksir, 2018).

While both categories act on the brain’s neurotransmitter systems, psychotherapeutics’ mechanisms of action and effects are distinctly different from unregulated substances like cannabis, stimulants, or opioids. Through comprehensive regulatory frameworks, government agencies assess a drug’s potential medical benefits against its risks of abuse and adverse effects (Hart & Ksir, 2018). Those demonstrating legitimate therapeutic usefulness are permitted for controlled medical access when properly prescribed. Conversely, substances deemed to have high abuse potential lacking accepted medical purposes face strict regulation or outright prohibition as controlled substances (Hart & Ksir, 2018). This legal approach aims to balance facilitating access for legitimate needs while safeguarding public health and safety.

Following this, one area of ongoing societal debate surrounds the potential over-medication of children with psychotherapeutic drugs. Statistics reveal substantial increases in diagnosing conditions like ADHD, with corresponding rises in pediatric prescription rates for medications like stimulants (Froehlich et al., 2007). While improving treatment access is positive, concerns exist about potential contributing factors like expanding diagnostic criteria, external pressures, and pharmaceutical marketing leading to over-diagnosis and over-prescription (Hart & Ksir, 2018).  Potential risks include adverse side effects, dependence, unknown impacts on developing brains and bodies, and simply masking underlying issues rather than comprehensively addressing root causes (Hart & Ksir, 2018). However, proponents argue these medications provide significant benefits when properly evaluated, monitored, and implemented as part of integrated treatment plans incorporating therapy (Vitiello, 2008). Balancing potential benefits and risks remains crucial when prescribing to pediatric populations. Ongoing evaluation of prescribing practices, comprehensive care approaches, and long-term effects is imperative for the judicious, ethical use of psychotherapeutics, especially in vulnerable groups like children.

References

Froehlich, T. E., Lanphear, B. P., Epstein, J. N., Barbaresi, W. J., Katusic, S. K., & Kahn, R. S. (2007). Prevalence, recognition, and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in a national sample of US children. Archives of pediatrics & adolescent medicine, 161(9), 857-864.

Hart, C.L. & Ksir, C. (2018). Drugs, society & human behavior (17th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill.

Vitiello, B. (2008). Understanding the risk of using medications for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder with respect to physical growth and cardiovascular status. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 17(2), 459-474.

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Discuss the similarities and differences between psychoactive drugs of abuse and drugs used to treat psychological disorders.

Similarities, Differences, and Appropriate Use of Psychoactive Drugs of Abuse and Psychotherapeutic Medications

*Given the similarities and differences, why are some drugs legal and others controlled?

2. Are we over-medicating our children? Explain and provide supportive evidence.