Prescription drugs are one of the most commonly used and abused substances in the United States. In fact, a recent study showed that roughly 50 million people in the country have used some form of prescription drug for recreational purposes, instead of intended medical treatment. This number is almost 20% of the country’s entire population. This is a startling revelation because these drugs are highly addictive and are only meant to be used for short periods of time to cope with intense pain. Without this physical trauma, people are at high risk for developing a dependency on these substances.
Things to Know about Prescription Drug Abuse
Due to an increase over the last decade of opioid availability and easier access from doctors for pain issues, there has also been a significant rise in overdosing and rehab admissions.
The most common prescription drugs that are being abused in the country are opioids, depressants, and stimulants.
Opioids are medications used to treat pain. These are among the most widely used perceptions medications because of their blanketed effect of blocking pain receptors in the brain.
Depressants are also regularly abused. They are often used for adjusting a person’s mood if they have feelings of depression or anxiety. However, a large number of people that don’t suffer from clinically diagnosed depression or anxiety use them and become addicted.
Stimulants are the third popularly abused prescription drug. One of the most common types of stimulants is Adderall. This drug helps people with ADD or ADHD concentrate on tasks and help them focus. Due to the nature of this drug, it is regularly abused by college students that want to study for exams.
Many experts agree that prescription drug abuse is on the rise because of general population increases, the rapidly expanding medical market, and changing mindsets among doctors.
Some indicators that suggest substance abuse addiction in yourself is regularly taking more than the recommended dosage, taking your medication for reasons other than the prescribed intention (boredom), and calling more frequently for refills. These are all ways to tell if you might have a prescription drug abuse problem.
If you recognize these traits in yourself or someone you love, it may be a good idea to start seeking help at one of the rehab facilities listed in your area.