Diuretics abuse/misuse

Because diuretics cause an overall water weight loss, they are often abused by individuals with eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. They may also be misused (and sometimes abused) by athletes to make weight for certain classes of competition (i.e., wrestling). 

Statistics on the misuse of diuretic drugs are more difficult to determine. Estimates vary as to the number of people currently suffering from eating disorders, and not all individuals with an eating disorder abuse diuretics. In addition, the sense of shame and emotional turmoil associated with the disease make the unreported incidence of eating disorders high. Federal and institutional estimates put the number at approximately 5-8 million Americans. 

Diuretics are not a psychoactive drug and have no direct mental effects. However, abuse and misuse of this medication can lead to severe dehydration, which may lead to headaches and mental confusion. 

These substances are generally determined in biological matrices together with the drugs of abuse because the mixtures consumed by the users often contain some of them. Diuretics, p-blockers, and stimulants are prohibited by the WADA due to their documented potential misuse as performance-enhancing substances. 

---