Case Study from Chapter 3: Major Substances of Abuse and the Body
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 supposed 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.
5. Discuss the effects of Roy’s current drugs of choice on the brain and the body. How are these effects different from his previous use of tranquilizers? Why might one expect Roy to abuse caffeine, tobacco, and marijuana at this time, and what would you recommend as treatment? Under what circumstances would you recommend treatment?
