Addiction is no laughing matter. In fact, substance abuse is as big a problem now as ever before. If you or someone you love has been struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, you’re not alone. But addiction isn’t limited to alcohol or illegal drugs. Prescription drug abuse is a growing issue all across the country. That’s because people get hooked for any number of reasons and find themselves unable to break their dependency on these highly addictive substances.
This article takes a look at some important signs of prescription drug abuse so that you’ll be able to recognize a potential problem. Keep reading to get the inside scoop.
1. They are Easy to Obtain
One of the primary reasons prescription drugs are so commonly abused is because they are easy to get your hands on. After all, prescription drugs are legal, thus they are in millions of homes across the country.
Just take a look in the average medicine cabinet in the average house in America and you’re likely to find an assortment of prescription drugs. Plus, many prescription drugs are very powerful and addictive and yet are prescribed for an endless number of ailments. Because of this, it’s very easy to get your doctor to prescribe a substance that can cause serious addiction.
2. They are Everywhere
Again, it’s important to remember that prescription drugs are easily available almost anywhere you look. In the cabinet in the kitchen, in the bathroom, or the drawer of your bedside table. Thus you certainly don’t have to worry about buying them from a creepy drug dealer in a dark alley.
3. Abuse Typically Starts Young
It might surprise you to learn that millions of teenagers become addicted to prescription drugs each year. This includes the use of prescription stimulants and prescription painkillers.
In fact, most teens admit they started using before the age of 14. This is obviously both sad and scary.
4. They are a Gateway to Other Substances
Given the easy access to prescription meds, they are far more commonly abused than alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, or heroin. And yet once a user has become addicted to prescription drugs, they become more likely to experiment with illegal substances.
Here is one of the best OC drug rehab facilities.
5. Men and Women Use Prescription Drugs for Different Reasons
Men tend to abuse prescription drugs for recreational purposes. And yet women typically confess to using prescription medications in the hops of losing weight or to increase alertness.
6. Taking Someone Else’s Prescription is Illegal
Believe it or not, it’s actually illegal to use another person’s prescription. Even if you have the same medical issue or just one to take a single pill, it’s still against the law.
7. They are Deadlier Than Street Drugs
That’s right, you are more likely to die from a prescription medication than from drugs purchased on the street. This might be contrary to popular belief, but prescription drugs have increased in popularity, thus also increasing the death rate from their use.
A Guide to Prescription Drug Abuse Facts that Everyone Should Know
Substance abuse is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. That’s why it’s so important to be familiar with these prescription drug facts so that you can protect your loved ones from a life of addiction.
Keep scrolling to read more useful health and lifestyle advice on our blog.
