In attempting to better understand the degree to which prescription drug abuse may differ from illicit drug abuse, several studies have attempted to determine whether there are meaningful subgroups in this population. Several studies have utilized large epidemiologic surveys to attempt to address this question. These subgroups were different with respect to a number of sociodemographic variables as well as substance use and psychiatric histories. Meaningful subgroups characterized by fewer risk behaviors and initiating use for the indicated purpose of the medication (e.g., opioids for pain) also have been identified (Nielsen et al., 2011). While these medications serve legitimate medical purposes, their misuse can quickly lead to dependency and addiction. Often, it starts innocently with someone taking an extra pill for pain relief or borrowing a friend’s prescription to focus better during exams.
- Examples of stimulants are dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, Dextrostat, ProCentra), lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Methylin, Ritalin), and a mix of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall).
- Three classes of prescription drugs are commonly misused in the United States.
- Understanding why prescription drug abuse is on the rise helps in formulating effective strategies to combat this growing problem.
- By addressing the root causes, raising awareness, and providing comprehensive treatment options, we can combat this epidemic.
- Methadone and buprenorphine, both synthetic opioids, are the most commonly used drugs to treat symptoms of opioid withdrawal.
Factors Contributing to the Rise of Prescription Drug Abuse
- In the past, people who wanted to abuse prescription drugs had to get them from friends or family members who had legitimate prescriptions.
- The longer these drugs are misused, the more challenging it becomes to restore healthy brain function.
- For patients, practicing safe storage and proper disposal of medications is crucial.
Regulations on pharmaceutical marketing practices are also necessary to ensure that the promotion of these drugs does not contribute to misuse. When misused, prescription drugs can be just as harmful as illegal drugs, sometimes even more so due to their potency and specific effects on the body. If you or someone you know is struggling with prescription drug abuse, it’s important to remember that help is available. Treatment for prescription drug misuse can take several forms, and often, a combination of these methods yields the best results.
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Accordingly, many prescription medications are easy to get by among this age group. Paired with the risk-taking tendency among teenagers and the need to fit in, many decide to try these drugs without sufficient knowledge of the side effects. Still, healthcare providers must keep in mind that even safe drugs with no notable side effects can become addictive in certain populations. Patients with a history of addiction must be treated differently than regular patients. Physicians must limit their access to prescription medication, as well as educate their family members about the side effects and abuse potential.
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- For example, someone might take a painkiller to get relief from pain or take a stimulant to stay awake and focused.
- We can attribute the increasing reliance on prescription drugs to several factors.
- Companies often promote their medications aggressively, emphasizing benefits while downplaying potential risks.
- Research suggests that people with mental, personality and substance use disorders are also at an increased risk for nonmedical use of prescription opioids (8).
- Treatment programs, such as those offered by an alcohol rehab center in Florida, provide comprehensive care for individuals with co-occurring substance abuse issues.
- Prescribed for the treatment of anxiety, seizure, and panic disorders, benzodiazepines slow the rate of communication between the brain and body.
- Approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) have all been shown to effectively treat various types of addiction.
Medications are legally available and prescribed by doctors, which can create a misleading sense of safety. This, along with their easy accessibility, has played a significant role in increasing the rates of misuse and addiction. Counseling is the most common treatment for addiction to CNS depressants or stimulants. You might also need to detoxify (“detox”) your body under a doctor’s care.
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While treatment options are available, including detoxification and various forms of therapy, success often requires a comprehensive approach tailored to the individual’s specific needs. Preventive measures, such as secure storage of medications and open discussions Sobriety about their risks, are vital to reducing the incidence of prescription drug addiction in communities. Defining and assessing prescription drug abuse is complicated by unclear boundaries between “appropriate” use of these medications and inappropriate use or abuse.
Buprenorphine was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of opioid dependence in 2002. Patients will need medical supervision during treatment for opioid withdrawal. Prescription drug addiction can lead to a number of complications, especially when the drugs are taken in large doses or combined with alcohol or other drugs. The majority of drug overdose deaths in the United States involve an opioid. Some experts think that more people are abusing prescription medications because there are more drugs available. These medicines manage pain well and can help boost your quality of life when you follow your doctor’s directions on taking them.
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Prescription muscle relaxers also produce heightened euphoria and may allow for mild dissociation in some individuals. An at-risk individual can develop an opioid addiction within just three to five days of starting an opioid pain reliever. Using these strategies not only enhances awareness but also empowers individuals to seek help before misuse occurs. For additional information on support for recovery, visit our article on how support groups can aid your recovery. We are experienced in treating many painkiller addictions, including co-codamol, codeine, Tramadol, Valium and Xanax.
Over time, the pain relievers become less effective as prescription drug abuse the body gets used to them. In turn, this leads to patients increasing the dose without consulting their healthcare provider. Unfortunately, many healthcare providers prescribe drugs liberally to alleviate the discomfort of their patients. In turn, if these drugs fall into the wrong hands, they might easily get “hooked.” Additionally, people can now buy prescription medication from illicit sellers and dealers, without the need for a prescription.
Why is Prescription Drug Abuse On the Rise
- Addressing these health issues requires awareness, prevention strategies, and education about the risks involved in using prescription drugs improperly.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, isolation and uncertainty exacerbated mental health issues, leading to increased substance abuse.
- For those who may be vulnerable to addiction, these drugs can sometimes create a worrisome dependency.
- Numerous people with addiction combine their prescription medication with Over-The-Counter drugs to bring about a synergistic effect or even mimic the action of the prescribed medication.
- People who get prescribed medication often don’t realize how serious the physical and psychological dependence can get.
The normalization of drug misuse on social media creates an environment where it becomes socially acceptable and even encouraged. For individuals at risk, these portrayals can make prescription drug abuse seem like a viable, “safe” option, ignoring the significant dangers involved. Risks include addiction, overdose, health complications, and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.