Prescription Drug Abuse
Out of all the drug abuse and addictions that currently exist,
prescription drug abuse is just as serious as any other type of drug
abuse. Prescription drug abuse can range from sleeping aids to
oxycontin, which is basically prescription heroin. The three classes
of prescription drugs that most often lead to prescription drug abuse
are opioids, which are used to for the treatment of pain, Central
Nervous System depressants, or CNS, which are prescribed to treat
anxiety and some sleep disorders, and stimulants which are usually
used to treat ADD, ADHD, obesity, and narcolepsy.
In teens and young adults, the rate of prescription drug abuse,
especially of stimulants, has risen dramatically. This is due to the
increased numbers of kids diagnosed with ADD and ADHD, and the
medication prescribed can be used as a “study drug” since it increases
concentration and keeps a person awake. Prescribed patients of
stimulant medications make prescription drug abuse more likely since
teens are willing to pay for the prescriptions.
Prescription drug abuse has been found to affect many Americans, and
some concerns remain consistent among older adults, adolescents, and
women. Another group of Americans who tend to be at a higher risk of
prescription drug abuse are physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists,
anesthesiologists, and veterinarians. This group of people may have a
higher risk of prescription drug abuse because they have easier
access, along with the fact that they are able to self-prescribe
drugs. Even though this increased risk of prescription drug abuse is
present, surveys and research that was done in the early 1990s
indicated that there was most likely a high percentage of health care
providers who were affected or suffered from substance abuse,
including the abuse of alcohol and drugs. It was estimated that they
were affected at a similar rate to the rates of society as a whole,
which was in the range of 8 to 12 percent.
Prescription drug addiction affects more of the population than you
would imagine: From everyday people, to the famous stars you see on
TV. Some studies suggest that prescription drug abuse is more likely
to occur among females than males. In some cases, females are up to
48% more likely to abuse prescription drugs and develop a a pattern of
prescription drug abuse.
As with the treatment for any other drug abuse, the first steps to
ending prescription drug abuse is to identify the problem. This may
mean that the individual who tends to abuse prescription drugs
realizes that they need the drug to maintain their lifestyle and daily
routine, or someone close to them notices a pattern and recognizes
abuse. A doctor should be able to recognize any dramatic increases of
a dose of medication needed, which would indicate prescription drug
abuse. The doctor should then take the necessary measures to help the
patient taper off of the medication, in order to overcome prescription
drug abuse. Pharmacists are also trained to spot excessive
prescriptions being filled, as well as any fraudulent or tampered
prescriptions. Pharmacists play a large role in the prevention of
prescription drug abuse as well as doctors and other health care
providers.
In order to prevent prescription drug abuse, be sure to follow
directions carefully as indicated on the medication bottle, as well as
the directions given by your doctor and pharmacist. Taking too much of
a prescribed dose provides an increased risk of starting a habit of
prescription drug abuse, as well as taking the medication more often
than indicated; especially narcotic pain relievers and stimulant
drugs.
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