Tablet Addiction: Swallowing Pills Instead of Solving Problems

Whether a drug helps or harms is primarily a question of dosage. What is helpful in the amount prescribed by the doctor can cause considerable harm in excess – and become addictive in the long term. According to the German Federal Ministry of Health, around 1.5 million Germans have already crossed the threshold into drug addiction.

Drug abuse in the public perception

The fatal thing: “The problem is hardly noticed by the public – although drug abuse has similarly serious consequences as alcoholism and statistically even affects more people,” says Ralf Kremer, an expert on addiction issues at DAK.

From remedy to drug

Almost always, the drug in question is initially prescribed by the doctor. Continuing to take it on one’s own therefore seems legitimate to many. The first signs of dependence are ignored. If the effect of the drug wears off over time, the dose is simply increased.

“A vicious circle, because drug abuse can lead to psychological disorders, social isolation and serious physical damage,” explains DAK expert Kremer. Confusion, anxiety and paranoia, heart failure and liver or kidney problems are common consequences.

Drugs with addictive potential

About six percent of all commonly prescribed medications have addictive potential. At the top: sleeping pills and tranquilizers containing the so-called benzodiazepine active ingredient, which can make patients physically and psychologically dependent after just a few days. This alone affects 1.1 million Germans.

Other highly addictive medications include painkillers, codeine-containing drugs and stimulants such as appetite suppressants. According to estimates by the German Centre for Addiction Issues (Deutsche Hauptstelle für Suchtfragen e. V.), one third of these drugs are prescribed not because of acute medical problems, but to avoid withdrawal symptoms!

Drug addiction: Particularly dangerous are …

  1. Sleeping pills and tranquilizers, for example benzodiazepines.
  2. Stimulants, for example, appetite suppressants.
  3. Painkillers and narcotics, for example, over-the-counter headache drugs.
  4. Codeine-containing preparations, for example, in painkillers or as a
    Cough suppressants

Mother’s little helper

“More and more people are trying to solve their problems with tablets,” says addiction expert Ralf Kremer of the DAK. “Mother’s little helper” was already the Rolling Stones’ headline for this. Women are obviously particularly at risk: around two-thirds of addicts are female.

“While men typically turn to alcohol when stressed, many women take tranquilizers or tonics to cope with strains at work, in the family and in partnerships,” explains the DAK expert. “As ‘health managers’ of the family, many women regularly engage in medication. The flip side of their commitment is apparently that they reach too naturally also for strong means.”