Prescription Drug Addiction
Out of all the drug addictions that currently
exist, prescription drug addictions are just as serious as any
other. Prescription drug addiction can range from sleeping aids
to oxycontin, which is basically prescription heroin. The three
classes of prescription drugs that most often lead to a
prescription drug addiction 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
addiction, 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 addiction 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 addictions are
physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, anesthesiologists,
and veterinarians. This group of people may have a higher risk
of prescription drug addiction 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 addictions
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
addictions are more likely to occur among females than males.
In some cases, females are up to 48% more likely to develop a
prescription drug addiction.
As with the treatment of any other drug addiction, the first
steps to ending a prescription drug addiction is to identify
the problem. This may mean that the individual with the
prescription drug addiction 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 a prescription drug
addiction. The doctor should then take the necessary measures
to help the patient taper off of the medication, in order to
overcome a prescription drug addiction. 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 addictions as
well as doctors and other health care providers.
In order to prevent prescription drug addiction, 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 developing a prescription drug addiction, as
well as taking the medication more often than indicated.
Especially narcotic pain relievers and stimulant drugs.
|
|
