Prescription Drug Abuse

Prescription Drug Abuse – When most people think of drug addictions they picture a person partying while drinking and snorting lines of coke or a junkie with a needle hanging out of their arm, but this is just one aspect of having an addiction. Addiction is actually defined as a chronic brain disease that leads a person to take part in a repetitive behavior, the use of drugs, to attain a feeling that is not part of reality. This means that any substances that can alter your physical or mental reality can be considered addictive. Unfortunately, many people find these substances to be prescription medications.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that approximately 48 million people of the age 12 and older have used prescription drugs for non-medical reasons during their lifetime. While this does not mean that every person that has tried this becomes an addict it is a staggering number of individuals willing to take prescriptions without real cause. Prescription Drug Abuse begins much like any addiction. The first time a person chooses to use the medication for a purpose other than what was intended, but over time, the brain chemistry changes and the ability to control the behavior or make appropriate decisions becomes highly impaired. The entire time the person is likely to be misusing more medications.

There are three main classes of prescription medications that are most likely to be abused. These include opioids, typically used to treat pain, central nervous system depressants, used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders, and stimulants, used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. Though these are the most commonly abused prescription medications, any medication can be abused and become an addiction.

Reasons For Prescription Drug Abuse

There are a variety of reasons a person may become addicted to prescription medication, or any drug, which include biology, social environment, and at what age you first become addicted. The more categories that fit your situation, the more likely addiction will occur. One of the biggest determining factors is the age at which you start using. The younger you begin the more likely full blown addiction will occur.

If you are unsure you fit the description of an addict then consider whether you take larger doses of your medication than your doctor prescribes or for reasons other than why they are prescribed. Are you calling for extra refills or making up excuses as to why you ran out early? These are signs of addiction.

DARA Rehab Can Help

If you do realize you have an addiction to prescription medication then now is the time to seek treatment. One option is to include non-addictive medications in your treatment of the disorder that put you on prescription meds. Try talking to your doctor about alternatives. You may need something to treat the withdrawal which can also be solved by speaking to your doctor. For serious addictions an inpatient treatment option may be best. There are numerous placements that can help. Simply do your research and find several that may fit your needs and make the call. You can get better if you choose to do so. Make the right decision.

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