Prescription drugs are some of the most dangerous substances in the United States. Despite coming at the recommendations of medical professionals, these substances often have high abuse and addiction potentials. In fact, there are more people struggling with prescription drug abuse than there are users of meth, cocaine, and heroin combined. These facts about prescription drugs help us recognize how dangerous and widespread this epidemic is.
Do you need to know more about prescription drug addiction treatment? If so, call us today at 866.262.0531.
Facts About Prescription Drugs
Many people have a hard time recognizing the danger of prescription drugs. It’s hard for them to acknowledge that the substances in their medicine cabinets can lead to deadly addictions. However, failing to acknowledge the problem is what leads to misuse and addictions. In fact, over 50% of people get prescription drugs from family members. This includes children and teenagers who steal the substances from their parents’ cabinets. To prevent incidents like these, it’s important to properly dispose of substances when they’re no longer needed.
Additionally, it’s important to keep an eye on children and loved ones who have prescriptions for substances like opioids, benzodiazepines, or stimulants. Without realizing it, individuals with these prescriptions can easily become dependent.
it’s important to remember that misuse of prescription drugs can lead to severe consequences, including death. People need to understand the risks associated with these substances before taking them. They should also consider consulting a physician if they think their medications are having a negative effect on their health. When used correctly and responsibly, prescription drugs can help people with various medical conditions lead healthy lives. However, it’s important to recognize that the misuse of these substances can have dire consequences.
The Danger of Prescription Painkillers
Another one of the facts about prescription drugs is that prescription painkillers are some of the most potent addictive substances that exist. They have euphoric effects that relieve pain, but can also cause users a high when abused. This is why the substance is highly sought after, even by those who don’t experience any chronic pain.
It’s common to receive prescriptions after surgery or in the event of a severe injury. Since prescriptions for painkillers are so commonplace, it’s also easy for those who abuse them to get a hold of them. Understanding proper prescription drug disposal is essential to keeping your loved ones safe.
It’s important to recognize that prescription painkillers are addictive substances, even when taken as prescribed. Those with chronic pain need to be aware of the potential for addiction and consult their physician if they notice any changes in their behavior or health. Taking these drugs responsibly is essential to avoiding serious consequences down the line.
Stimulants, Tranquilizers, and Sedatives
Stimulants, tranquilizers, and sedatives are other classes of prescription drugs that individuals can abuse. Typically, stimulants include substances like Adderall, which treats individuals with ADHD. Additionally, tranquilizers and sedatives are primarily benzodiazepines like Xanax, which helps individuals with sleep disorders and anxiety. Although these substances are essential for people with these disorders, they still pose a threat when misused.
Adderall and other stimulants are commonly abused among students and young adults who may use the substance to focus on their studies or stay out longer when drinking. Similarly, individuals may abuse Xanax and other sedatives to achieve a euphoric high. One of the scariest facts about prescription drugs is that as mental health disorders are more recognized and more of these prescriptions become available, it’s also easier for those who misuse them to get a hold of them.
If you or someone you love has a tranquilizer, stimulant, or sedative prescription, ensure that they use their substance properly and never loan it out to anyone else.
Overcome Prescription Drug Addiction with Crestview Recovery
The facts about prescription drugs can be scary, but there’s hope for those struggling with a prescription drug addiction. Crestview Recovery offers several comprehensive addiction treatment programs to help those who need rehab. Some of our programs include:
- Prescription painkiller addiction treatment program
- Xanax addiction treatment program
- Oxycodone addiction treatment program
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
The time to overcome your addiction is now. To learn more about our facility and how we can help you, contact us today by calling or filling out our contact form online.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
