Unearth the reality of prescription drug abuse, its consequences, and steps towards reclaiming lives. If you take them with medications that work on your central nervous system — including alcohol, barbiturates, or benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), or diazepam (Valium) — you have a higher chance of breathing problems or death. Prescription drugs can be especially dangerous — and even lead to death — when taken in high doses, when combined with other prescription drugs or certain over-the-counter medicines, or when taken with alcohol or illegal or recreational drugs. Although the effects of a medication vary depending on the drug and the person taking it, there are signs and symptoms that could indicate abuse. Stimulant effects are characterized by rushes of energy, increased stimulation and euphoria. Many individuals who become addicted to stimulants begin using cocaine as an alternative or take the drug to chase a more intense high.
Medication sources for prescription opioid misuse
Prescription drug abuse is the use of a prescription medicine in a way not https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/prescription-drug-abuse-symptoms-and-treatment/ intended by the prescriber. Prescription drug abuse, also called prescription drug misuse, includes everything from taking a friend’s prescription painkiller for your backache to snorting or injecting ground-up pills to get high. Prescription drug abuse may become ongoing and compulsive, despite the negative consequences.
Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)
Other drug treatments for opiate withdrawal include methadone and the blood pressure medicine clonidine. Another approach has involved classifying subtypes based on motives for use, such as recreational users, “self-medicators,” and combinations of motives (Kelly et al., 2014; McCabe, Boyd, & Teter, 2009; McCabe & Cranford, 2012). Such studies have suggested that self-medicating groups report fewer problem behaviors, such as non-intended routes of administration, and other substance use.
Risk Factors
The DEA imposes penalties for inappropriate prescribing practices, such as jail time, fines, and revocation of licensure, while the FDA requires Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) from drug manufacturers. Although REMS are intended to help balance the risk-benefit profile of opioid medications by requiring manufacturers to provide training and education to physicians regarding universal precautions in opioid prescribing, their effectiveness has not been systematically evaluated. Death from prescription opioid overdose most often results marijuana addiction from loss of consciousness and respiratory suppression.
- An intervention is a carefully planned process involving family and friends and others who care about a person struggling with addiction.
- Extended-release or long-acting opioids have a slower onset of action (30–90 minutes) and a longer duration of action (4–72 hours) and are typically used for chronic pain conditions (15).
- It uses an independent, multistage area probability sampling design, with weighting to create nationally representative estimates of the US population.
- Declines in opioid PDM were observed in non‐Hispanic White, Hispanic, and Multiracial residents, and males had a greater magnitude of decline in both opioid and poly‐PDM than females, though the difference was nonsignificant.
- If you or someone you know is struggling with prescription drug addiction, seek help.
How many people have a prescription stimulant use disorder
Many prescription medications have the potential to become drugs of abuse if they are misused. This includes taking a larger dose, using them more frequently, or taking them for purposes outside of medical need. Misuse also includes taking a prescription medication that is not intended for you. The misuse of prescription medication can potentially lead to a substance use disorder or addiction and oftentimes, professional treatment is needed. Regardless of how you came to seek treatment for prescription drug addiction, finding a qualified treatment center is key to solidifying your recovery. Prescription drugs can be obtained legally and are almost universally present in households, and thus are different in meaningful ways relative to both access and perceptions of risk than drugs only obtained illegally.
How many people have a prescription tranquilizer or sedative use disorder?
Substance abuse often leads to strained relationships, loss of employment, financial difficulties, and legal problems. Many individuals who struggle with addiction find themselves involved in criminal activities due to impaired judgment or the need to sustain their addiction. CNS depressants are used to treat a number of conditions, including depression, anxiety and sleep disorders. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. You may be embarrassed to ask for help or afraid that your family members will be angry or judgmental. But in the long run, the people who truly care about you will respect your honesty and your decision to ask for help.
- But you can reduce your risk by carefully following your health care provider’s instructions on how to take your medicine.
- An increasing problem, prescription drug abuse can affect all age groups, including teens.
- A 2007 study by researchers at the University of Michigan examined the prevalence of substance abuse in college students by race.
- The purpose of aftercare is to help you solidify coping skills and maintain sobriety after completing a rehab treatment program.
The misuse of prescription medication can lead to a host of negative consequences. These consequences can range from physical dependence and addiction to significant health risks. By understanding the potential outcomes of prescription drug abuse, individuals can make more informed decisions about their health and well-being. In fact, nearly 1.3 million Americans aged 12 years and older experience problem use of prescription drugs, signifying physiological dependence or heavy daily use.