Final answer:
Drug use can lead to antimicrobial resistance, especially when patients do not adhere to the full course of treatment, which can result in the proliferation of drug-resistant strains of illnesses like tuberculosis. Substance use disorders may develop from the compulsive use of drugs despite negative consequences. Addressing these issues requires changes in prescribing practices and patient adherence, along with the implementation of pharmacogenomics where feasible.
Step-by-step explanation:
Current drug use can negatively progress over time through the development of antimicrobial resistance, which is exacerbated by patient nonadherence to prescribed courses of treatment. The case of treatment for tuberculosis (TB) is illustrative, with a long treatment duration from 6 months to a year. In areas where drugs can be readily obtained over the counter, adherence rates can be even lower, leading to the evolution of multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant TB strains.
Additionally, treatment noncompliance can select for drug-resistant variants within the patient's microbiota, posing a broader public health challenge. Furthermore, drugs can be agonists or antagonists impacting neurotransmitter systems, and substance use disorders can develop from compulsive drug use despite negative consequences. The intersection of biology and behavior also highlights how individuals may avoid treatment due to stigma and how drugs can alter the biochemistry of the brain.
To combat these issues, changes in individual doctors' behaviors are required, as incorrect dosing or prescription practices further complicate treatment outcomes. The application of pharmacogenomics, though challenging, has shown promise in addressing these concerns with drugs like abacavir for HIV. Overall, a multifaceted approach is necessary to address the complex progression of drug resistance and addiction.
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