Prescription drug abuse can be defined as the consumption of medicinals for non-medical purposes. If someone takes a prescription drug when they do not need it, or without the recommendation of a licensed professional - that’s abuse.
Like any other form of drug abuse - it’s a contentious social issue.
Currently prescription drugs are the third most abused substance in the USA. Young adults who’re 12 and above are one of the worst victims of prescription drug abuse. But the elderly follow closely behind.
Despite having fatal outcomes,
prescription drug abuse
could swiftly take the form of chronic, obsessive and self-destructive behavior. That’s why we need to talk about it.
Prescription drug abuse is a big contributor to teen drug abuse. 16 million American adolescents above the age of 12 have abused prescription drugs. The scary part is that the age range of youngsters abusing drugs is dropping day by day.
But why such a prevalence among teenagers? For one, prescription drugs are extremely easy to procure. Unlike marijuana or cocaine, getting hold of Vicodin is an easy affair.
Teenagers are more prone to drug abuse when they suffer from mental health issues like anxiety. Dysfunctional families, peer pressure, and a history of abuse could also influence them to take to prescription drugs.
However, not all teens have such reasons to abuse prescription drugs. There are countless teens out there who throw themselves into this tunnel of horror for fun, and to fit in.
While people are fairly aware of the hazardous effects of illegal drugs, it is important to know that prescription drug addiction is equally fatal. It is a wrong belief that since prescription drugs are recommended by doctors, they are safe.
According to The
National Institute on Drug Abuse, when people are on prescription drugs for an extended period of time, they might get addicted to it naturally. The dependency on these drugs kick off the dangerous drug abuse.
According to researchers, several factors contribute to addiction:
Physical Factors:
People who suffer from mental health issues and other physical problems are more prone to drug abuse. Problems such as anxiety disorders, body dysmorphic can cause addiction to drugs.
People might start with the prescribed medications to help with their pain and health issues. Indiscriminate and continued usage gradually transforms the usage into addiction. Once addicted, they cannot go even a day without these drugs.
Genetic Factors:
Addiction can be induced by genetic predisposition in some people. Those with close relatives like a parent or sibling who battle addiction are susceptible to experience addiction problems. Research shows genetic factors can make a person 40-60% vulnerable to drug abuse.
Environmental Factors:
Environment plays a crucial role when it comes to shaping a person’s behavior. No wonder it influences addiction too. If an individual’s friends or family members abuse drugs, they can get influenced easily. Environmental factors are one of the most prominent causes of drug addiction in teenagers.
There are several ways in which prescription drug abuse unmasks itself. Most of the time, the physical appearance of a person is indicative of abuse. Some telltale signs of drug abuse include:
The person in question might increase the dosage or frequency of their drug intake. This might be voluntary. But many times it is a subconscious decision. In extreme cases, the said person might look disheveled and ungroomed. As the urge to indulge becomes a primary need, everything else takes a backseat.
Some addicts even lie about being in pain to be allowed to take more pills or drugs. Medical professionals are generally good at identifying these traits through body language and also prescription tracking but it is not a foolproof system and mistakes are often made.
Prescription drug abuse is preventable. Here’s how the social evil can be curbed:
Education and Awareness:
Do you think it is possible to combat substance abuse without people being aware of drugs and their consequences? Certainly not.
Awareness is key to dissuading people, especially teens from any kind of drugs. Nobody would willingly fall into the pit of addiction they know of the dire consequences. With proper education, people can make sure that they keep themselves and their peers away from such self-sabotaging activities.
Safeguard Medication/Drug Storage:
The easiest way for an individual to fall victim to drug abuse is by finding a source nearby. For example, a teen could misuse pain relievers that they had acquired from their family or friends.
So it is important for people to store their medications appropriately. Keep prescription medication under lock and key.
Drug Monitoring:
There are many cases where people were able to get medications/drugs from pharmacies without a prescription. Think about how many of these could have ended in prescription drug abuse!
In recent times, doctors and pharmacies are being called out for their carelessness. Strict drug monitoring policies can prevent teens from procuring drugs indiscriminately.
Rehab:
Doesn’t matter how bad an individual’s condition is, rehabilitation can save their life. Be it prescription, street drug or alcohol addiction, rehabs are the way to go. Of course, rehabs need to be made both accessible and affordable for that.
Addiction is not a minor issue that can be overlooked. Given its insidious nature, prescription drug abuse needs to be talked about. Being aware of how it invites destruction in our lives can help many of us keep away from abusing drugs, prescription or otherwise. Hopefully, our article has provided you with helpful information on the matter. Keep away from abuse and addiction - keep others safe from it too.
