Drug and substance abuse is a grave problem that poses a serious threat to all societies. When we think of drug abuse, heroin, cocaine and marijuana are some of the major drugs that come to mind. Most people associate the problem of drug abuse with these drugs. However, the reality is quite different. While cocaine and heroin continue to top the list of most popular drugs, a different and more serious problem has surfaced in the recent years. We’re talking about prescription drug abuse.
Defined as the intentional use of a medication without a prescription, prescription drug abuse poses serious health risks to people. The most worrisome thing about prescription drug abuse is that people don’t have to visit shady areas or get in touch with criminals. Instead, they can easily visit the nearby drug store and purchase the drug. The growing problem can be partly attributed to the fact that many medical stores across the US and other parts of the world continue to flout medical laws. Let’s take a look at some of the facts about prescription drug abuse in the US.
1) According to NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse), approximately 2.7% of US population (7 million) are current users of psychotherapeutic drugs taken without prescription.
2) Pain relievers are the most commonly abused medications in the US. They are followed by tranquilizers, stimulants and sedatives.
3) Pain and anxiety are the biggest factors that drive people to abuse drugs. Easy availability is another major factor that has contributed to the growth of prescription drug abuse.
4) Adolescents and young adults are most likely to abuse prescription drugs.
5) Prescription drug abuse poses serious health risks as it can make people addicted. An overdose of these drugs can be really harmful and life threatening.
6) A combination of medication and behavioral counseling is required to treat prescription drug abuse.
Be it depressants such as Benzodiazepines and Barbiturates; opioids such as Codeine and Morphine or other stimulants, prescription drug abuse can have serious health consequences. It is extremely important for people to ask about the potential harmful effects of drugs before consuming. Additionally, they should keep their doctor informed about the drugs. Proper disposal of unused medications and keeping them out of reach of their children is also an effective way to prevent prescription drug abuse. For more information on drug and alcohol addiction, you may visit the website http://www.inspiremalibu.com
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