The abuse of prescription drugs is also on the rise as a social vice in today’s society. What used to be taken for managing chronic pain, anxiety, or other health complications is gradually becoming a way of getting addicted. The abuse of these drugs is dangerous mainly because they are easily available and the common belief that they are safer than the other hard drugs. But the truth is that the improper use of prescription drugs also results in addiction, overdose and sometimes death.
What is Prescription Drug Misuse?
Prescription drug abuse is the taking of a medication in a manner that has not been prescribed by a health care provider. This may include increasing the dosage of the medicine which was recommended by the doctor, using the medicine for another ailment other than the one recommended, or even using a prescription of another person. The opioids – painkillers, sedatives and stimulants are some of the prescription drugs that are abused most often.
This is made worse by the fact that it is very easy for people to access these drugs from friends, relatives or from online pharmacies without medical attention.
Why Prescription Drug Misuse Is So Prevalent?
There are various causes of increased use of prescription drugs for improper purposes. The first one is the popularity of such drugs which have been recently made available to the public. Some drugs may for instance be used to treat pain or anxiety, and the patient may end up developing a dependence on them as prescribed by doctors.
Another one is a general belief that it is better to take legal prescription drugs than bad street drugs. When prescribed by a doctor, many people believe that they are at a different risk level than over-the-counter drugs. Such a perception causes people to abuse the substances or look for other means to get them when their prescription is empty.
The Effects of Prescription Medication Abuse
The risks associated with improper use of prescription medications are very severe and have a wide impact. These are strong medicines and, if used improperly, can cause the body to become dependent on them and become addicted. In time, a repeated usage may mean that one has to take more of the drug in order to get the same impact and this increases the chances of a person taking an overdose.
Further also depends on the health of the heart, lungs and Kidneys; and the misuse of prescription drugs also leads to psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, and other psychological illnesses. Similar to other chemical dependencies, one’s relationships, careers, and all aspects of health deteriorate progressively as addiction creeps in. Drug abuse is one of the social vices that are associated with shame and thus, it becomes embarrassing for the individuals to seek support of any kind hence worsening the problem even further.
The Need for Treatment in Coping with Prescription Drug Abuse
Illicit use of prescription drugs is well understood to need approaches for handling them. There are treatment centers of rehabilitation including drug rehab in Los Angeles to assist those who are dependent on prescription drugs. These programs entail a plan that comprises medical treatment, counseling and others with the aim of assisting individuals to come out of the dependence and regain their freedom.
Treating prescription drug addiction requires more than quitting the substance; there are specific therapeutic interventions hence the need to note the difference. It also aims for overcoming withdrawal syndrome, emerging health disorders and resources that help to face various kinds of stress without drugs.
Conclusion
The problem of prescription drugs’ abuse is one of the most burning issues of the present days. Given today’s growing awareness of risks, it is critical to focus on increasing knowledge, applying preventive measures, and providing efficient treatment programs like drug rehab in Los Angeles. It may be concluded that with the proper intervention one can break free from their addictions and have a much better life.
