Prescription Drug Abuse & Addiction
Prescription drug abuse has become an epidemic. Many people have become addicted to prescription drugs because they are so readily available. Furthermore, the media have recently uncovered the popularity of perscription drug abuse among celebrities.
Prescription drug abuse can and has become a serious problem affecting people of all ages and demographics. However, treatments are available for those who abuse prescription drugs, and addicted individuals should seek medical attention immediately.
Indicators of Prescription Drug Abuse
The most noticeable indication of a prescription drug addiction is that the patient will begin to need more drugs than before. A tolerance for the drug will build up after long term use, creating the need for more and more prescriptions. Someone who is addicted to prescription drugs may suffer from dangerous withdrawals if the prescription is suddenly unavailable.
Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs
Prescription drug abuse is associated with three types of prescription drugs; Opioids, CNS suppressants, and stimulants. Opioid addictions are extremely dangerous and may need methadone treatment to recover from. CNS suppressants are very commonly prescribed to treat anxiety and withdrawal without treatment can be extremely dangerous. Stimulants, such as Adderal, can leave patients with the same withdrawal symptoms as cocaine. Prescription drug abuse is very dangerous and can become a problem very quickly. Using prescription drugs inappropriately can quickly disrupt a patient’s neurological pathways, disrupting the ability to feel pleasure from normal activities. Medical complications can also be extremely dangerous leading to seizures, anxiety, depression, and even death. All drug addictions need to be properly evaluated by a medical professional to avoid complications.
Teens and Prescription Drug Abuse
Teen prescription drug abuse has skyrocketed in only the past few years. Prescription drugs are readily available at school or in the medicine cabinets at their own homes. Parents need to be especially careful with controlled substances and add prescription drug abuse to their discussions about the harmful effects of drugs. Teens are especially vulnerable due to peer pressure and the ease of accessibility in the illegal use of prescription drugs.
- Harvard Study on Teen Drug Abuse: Harvard performed a very interesting study on how many teens have already abused prescription drugs.
- How Teens Are Getting Their Hands on Prescription Drugs: Jaw-dropping statistics on where teens are getting their illegal prescriptions from.
- Teen Drug Abuse Facts and Resources: Comprehensive resource provided by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, detailing the percentages of teens addicted to prescriptions and the types of prescriptions they are using illegally.
The Elderly and Prescription Drug Abuse
Elderly patients are also at risk for prescription drug abuse. Many elderly patients suffer from tremendous pain and have difficulties remembering to take their medications. Developing a system for preventing abuse is essential to ensuring elderly patients do not become addicts. This should include monitoring daily medication intake and refill time periods.
- Ways to Avoid Elderly Prescription Drug Abuse: Oregon State University outlines how elderly patients are becoming addicted to prescription drugs.
- Complications Related to Elderly Prescription Drug Abuse: Elderly patients are particularly at risk for developing complications due to the huge amounts of prescriptions they receive and their reluctance to discontinue certain medications.
- Elderly Prescription Drug Abuse and Physicians Roles: Comprehensive background and plan for preventing elderly prescription drug abuse.
- Prevention Tactics for the Elderly: Website detailing what prescription drugs and substances elderly patients are susceptible to abusing and how to prevent it.
Prescription Drug Addiction
Prescription drug addictions come in many forms and affect people of all age groups. Teens, the elderly, and sufferers of chronic pain are all susceptible to becoming addicted. Prescription drugs are so readily available and often dispensed too easily. Awareness of this growing epidemic is the only way to prevent more members of society from becoming addicts.
Finding Help
Rehab will be necessary for anyone suffering from a prescription drug addiction. Treatment plans need to be determined by professionals and can vary depending on the type of drug abused and the length of time abused. Treatment professionals will assess the situation and determine the appropriate cause of action. Addicts should never attempt to immediately stop using any prescription drugs and should always seek the advice of a physician.