Why is Prescription Drug Abuse on the Rise?
Prescription drug abuse has become a worrisome health problem that has cut short people’s lives, particularly young adults. Millions of teens with aspirations have died prematurely in the United States due to painkillers, antidepressants, and opioid addiction. According to SAMHSA, prescription drugs are among the most commonly abused drugs, with 9 million people, 12 and older, using prescription pain relievers in 2019. This epidemic can significantly affect the mental and physical state of the person if it isn’t stopped.
While the government is maximizing efforts to check the growing epidemic, these individuals still find a way to access these drugs. Why is prescription drug abuse on the rise?
Cedar Oaks Wellness Center is an inpatient drug rehab in Ohio. Contact our Cincinnati drug rehab today to learn more about how we can help with prescription drug addiction treatment programs.
What is a Prescription Drug?
Prescription drugs are administered to those with peculiar health problems. These medications differ from over-the-counter drugs that can be taken for an extended period. Prescription drug abuse is consuming painkillers, opioids, and benzodiazepines beyond the recommended dosage. These medications can alter the brain’s mechanism, ultimately affecting your decision-making ability and control. They are highly addictive, so when taken, the individual finds it hard to stop using them.
Why is Prescription Drug Abuse on the Rise?
Several factors are responsible for the precarious rising prescription drug use. Experts attribute this rise to the increased availability of these drugs. Doctors are prescribing painkillers more often than before. Plus, there are black markets for these drugs now, which increases the accessibility factor.
Another reason is curiosity. Young people (teens and young adults) are the larger consumers of prescription drugs. Imagining the drug’s taste and effects drives them to experiment. Consequently, they become abusers and then become addicted to it.
A big issue with prescription medications is that people believe they are safe. Because doctors prescribe them, the impression is that they can’t cause any harm. However, repeated use can lead to serious addiction.
Prescription drugs are unavailable over the counter because they are dangerous. Abuse typically begins with an increased tolerance to the drugs. The individual will feel the drugs no longer produce the desired effect. And because they believe the drugs to be safe, they increase the amount of medication. Once dependence sets in, the risk of full-blown addiction and an overdose increases.
Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse
Taking prescription drugs indiscriminately can quickly escalate to physical dependence and addiction. The following signs of abuse will help you realize if your loved one is using;
- Consuming more pills than prescribed
- Requesting replacements all the time
- Stealing other’s prescription drugs
- Changes in behavior, especially when the drug nears its end
- Doctor shopping
- Trying to source the drug illegally
- Memory issues
- Slurred speech
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Making rash decisions
It’s essential to seek medical help if any of these signs are evident in your loved one. Keep in mind that this disease won’t fade into thin air. It’s treatable, but only in a rehab center.
Addressing Prescription Drug Abuse
Overcoming prescription drug addiction is possible, but you have to resolve to get well. Also, you mustn’t feel ashamed or weak for seeking help. Remember, you want to be better for yourself and not for anybody. And if you’re scared of how you’ll be treated, don’t worry. Cedar Oaks Wellness Center has the best caring doctors and medical staff to help you pull through.
Detox and therapy are two popular methods of treating drug addiction. Detox is a daunting process that needs medical supervision. This period is difficult for individuals with drug abuse because of the withdrawal symptoms experienced. Withdrawing from prescription drugs can cause physical symptoms like vomiting and headaches and mental symptoms like depression. The severity depends on how long the individual has been using and if any underlying medical problem is present. However, you should be safe and comfortable with a well-managed detox program.
Therapy involves counseling, individual and family therapy. Each program is tailored to the person’s psychological and physical needs, enabling recovery.
Cedar Oaks Wellness Center Offers Detox and Therapy for Prescription Drug Abusers
Now that we’ve answered why prescription drug abuse is on the rise, it’s time we told you where to get treatment to break free from prescription drug addiction. The best place for such a treatment is Cedar Oaks Wellness Center.
Cedar Oaks Wellness Center is a well-equipped rehab center that provides clients with individualized care to overcome drug addiction and live healthily. We detox patients, counsel them, and provide therapy and support. Get in touch with us at 1-866-902-2994 for further assistance.
