Prescription Drug Abuse

Prescription drug abuse has reached what some are referring to as an epidemic. Over 7 million Americans are using prescription medications non medically, which amounts to nearly 3% of the population. Prescription medications can include pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants and sedatives. The largest area of abuse arises with pain relievers, of which 5.2 million Americans are abusing. The most common medications abused are OxyContin and Vicodin. Tranquilizers are the second most abused, with 1.8 million abusers, followed by stimulants (1.2 million) and sedatives at 0.4 million.

Adolescents are the most problematic abusers of prescription medications, often due to availability from medicine cabinets, parents and friends. Internet access to prescription medications is a troublesome areas due to easy access and few restrictions on shipping. In 2007 nearly 10% of high school seniors had tried Vicodin and 5.2% had tried OxyContin. Among those adolescents using prescription drugs, other drug use, such as marijuana and alcohol, is also prevalent.

The most commonly abused types of prescription drugs are opioid pain killers such as OxyContin and Vicodin, depressants and anti-anxiety medication such as Valium and Xanax and stimulants such as Adderal and Ritalin for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Each class of drugs has their own particular dangers associated with heavy usage.

Opioids are addictive, just as is any opiate. When OxyContin or Vicodin are crushed and snorted or injected, the absorption rate is dramatically higher than when the substances are ingested, thereby increasing the risk of addiction and the danger of overdose, respiratory depression and death. An additional risk, newly recognized and very prevalent, is the switching from Oxycontin to heroin as a cost-saving measure. Heroin is much less expensive that Oxycontin and gives the same high. When users become addicted to Oxycontin and begin to inject it, the switch to a cheaper drug, heroin, is easily rationalized and justified. When injecting drugs, the risk of HIV becomes increased due to needle-sharing, thus adding an additional risk for addicts.
Any tranquilizer, such as Xanax, Valium, or any benzodiazepine, is highly addictive and readily available from doctors. Their medicinal value is unquestionable but their potential for abuse is significant. Tranquilizers are primarily prescribed as a remedy for anxiety and sleeplessness, but their appeal lies in taking a larger dosage and adding alcohol or other drugs. The combination of tranquilizers and alcohol is especially dangerous, as inhibitions are lowered to a point of absolute lack of care. Overdose due to breathing problems is possible. Of greater concern is the difficulty encountered when attempting to stop using tranquilizers. Severe withdrawal symptoms include dissociation between mind and body, confusion, disorientation and seizures. Stopping usage without medical supervision is dangerous and can result in death.

Stimulants like Adderal and Ritalin, commonly prescribed for ADHD, are both amphetamine-based drugs. They are commonly prescribed for young children and are difficult to stop. The depression that ensues following cessation of amphetamines is very real due to a decrease in dopamine levels in the brain. Addicts abuse “legal” amphetamines by snorting them or injecting them. Once this practice starts, the user may switch to cocaine or methamphetamine to get a higher or longer euphoric feeling. As in any stimulant usage, the addict will suffer from a dangerously high heart rate, high body temperature and heart problems.

Medical research is currently being conducted to find treatments for prescription drug addictions. Opioid addictions are being treated by using buprenorphine, naltrexone and methadone along with counseling. Addictions to prescription stimulants, just like addictions to cocaine and methamphetamines, are not currently being medically treated, but research is ongoing to find a drug that will treat stimulant addiction. Traditional behavioral therapies and 12 step support groups are utilized for opioids, tranquilizer and stimulant addiction. We would love to talk to you as to how we can help you conquer prescription drug abuse. Call Hawaii Island Recovery for more information at 1-866-515-5032 or use our convenient online form.

Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment

Tagged with: drug abuse • prescription drug abuse • Prescription Drugs

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