Prescription drug abuse is on the rise in the United States among both teens and adults. Experts say that increased prescription drug use is a result of how easy it is to get the drugs. While painkillers have their place in the medical field, people shouldn’t try to use them without prescriptions. Thankfully, you can take steps to prevent prescription drug addiction and abuse.
The Difference Between Drug Abuse and Addiction
The first step to preventing prescription drug abuse is to learn the difference between abuse and addiction. People often use these terms interchangeably. However, they represent different stages in the addiction cycle.
With drug abuse, people still have a choice. With drug addiction, however, compulsive actions replace willpower and freedom of choice. This compulsiveness places addiction in the category of a brain disease.
Once addiction develops, the chemical balance of people’s brains changes. Their brains adjust to the new chemical balance, leading to withdrawal symptoms if they try to stop using drugs. These symptoms make it difficult for them to stop taking drugs. The body will crave the drugs to put it in balance.
Prescription Drugs That People Most Often Abuse
With so many drugs in the medical market, it seems as if people have an endless supply of drugs to use or abuse. However, people abuse certain prescriptions more than others. One example is opioids, which doctors prescribe to treat pain.
It doesn’t take long for people to go from opioid use to opioid addiction if they are not careful. It happens because of the habit-forming nature of the drugs themselves. Other prescription drugs that people typically abuse include central nervous system depressants and stimulants.
How Prescription Drugs Impact the Brain and Body
All prescription drugs impact the brain in different ways. For example, opioids block the chemical signals that neurotransmitters in the brain send throughout the body. This blockage forces the brain to release more dopamine to increase the signals. The result is the high that people feel with prescription drug abuse.
Depressants work a little differently. They suppress the central nervous system. Doctors typically prescribe them to people who suffer from sleeping disorders and anxiety. As the body adjusts to their effects, people may start taking higher doses to get the same calming effects.
Stimulants have the opposite effect. They increase energy, attention and alertness. In some cases, they even help open respiratory airways. Because of this effect, stimulants help treat asthma and obesity. Because of the added stimulation they provide, abuse is easy to understand.
Why Some People Develop Addiction but Others Don’t
While it’s uncommon, not everyone who suffers from prescription drug abuse develops a painkiller addiction. In fact, experts believe that a number of factors play a role in determining who develops addiction and who doesn’t. Some of these include:
- Biology
- Age
- Social environment
- Family environment
- The drugs themselves
Some experts believe that the genes for addiction run in families. People who have histories of alcohol or drug abuse in their families have a higher chance of developing any kind of addiction. People who hang around others who abuse drugs may be more at risk as well.
Reasons Why Prescription Drug Abuse is on the Rise
While problems such as opioid addiction remain a top concern, experts must also focus on other prescription drug abuse as well. Since drug abuse leads to addiction, determining why it’s on the rise can impact addiction. So why is drug abuse becoming a bigger problem?
Many experts believe that it’s because there are so many prescriptions being written. Pain pills, anti-anxiety medications and stimulants are prescribed freely for many ailments. The drug industry is massive, and maybe doctors receive kickbacks from pharmaceutical companies for prescribing certain drugs. The end result is more and more prescription drugs that people can get their hands on to use or abuse.
In a study involving high school and college students, many people admitted to stealing prescription drugs from their parents. Others admitted to buying these prescription drugs on the street. Students buy them despite not being able to confirm which drugs they’re buying.
Preventing Drug Abuse in Adults
Prescription drug abuse in adults is just as common as it is with teens. Adults usually fall victim to drug abuse after their doctors prescribe certain drugs. To prevent prescription drug abuse, they have to get the right medications in the right dose and then take the drug as prescribed.
Also, people should avoid mixing medications with alcohol. Mixing prescription drugs and alcohol can cause some bad side effects. Doctors also advise against taking prescription drugs with over-the-counter drugs unless they prescribe otherwise.
If people are unsure about how to take a certain medication, they should talk with their doctors. Their physicians can ensure that they get the right dose. They can also help people recognize when to stop taking prescription medications to avoid abuse or addiction.
Teen Drug Abuse
Since teens don’t typically have direct access to prescription drugs, preventing teen drug abuse is a bit different. Parents have to discuss the dangers of taking prescription drugs with their teen-aged children. They also have to set ground rules and consequences for any drug use.
Furthermore, parents need to lock up the prescription drugs that they get from their doctors. Sometimes keeping drugs out of sight decreases temptation. Lastly, they have to make sure that their teens don’t order drugs online. While it’s impossible to watch them all the time, paying attention to delivered packages can help.
Get Help for Prescription Drug Addiction
Prescription drug abuse leads to addiction. Once addiction develops, it’s very difficult to get control of the disease without help. Thankfully, Healing Springs Ranch can help you with both prescription drug abuse and addiction. We pride ourselves on offering a wide range of treatment programs, including:
At Healing Springs Ranch, we have the experience to help people deal with a wide range of addictions. For example, we offer cocaine, alcohol and opioid addiction treatments. We offer 30- and 90-day programs.
We provide a number of amenities that our guests can enjoy while receiving addiction treatment. Some of the amenities that we have include yoga, fishing, and kayaking. We also have an on-site workout facility and a nine-hole golf course. These activities ensure that you have plenty to do during treatment.
Get the prescription drug abuse help that you need at Healing Springs Ranch. Don’t let addictions control your life or the life of a loved one any longer. Contact us today at 866-656-8384 for more information about prescription drug abuse and how to heal from addiction.