Causes and Risk Factors of Prescription Drug Abuse

However, they can also be obtained through illicit channels, including sharing medications or purchasing them from unauthorized sources. Prescription drug abuse continues to exert a substantial public health cost, as highlighted by growing rates of overdose deaths and rapidly increasing need for substance use disorder treatment. Such interventions must be accompanied by assessment of their impact to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of efforts to stem the tide of this problem.

Because of its extreme potency, it is often mixed — sometimes without the user’s knowledge — into drugs like heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, or counterfeit pills. Even tiny amounts can greatly increase the risk of overdose and death. Central Nervous System depressants work by increasing GABA signaling to slow brain activity, producing calming or drowsy effects. Commonly prescribed for anxiety, sleep disorders, and seizures, their sedative properties also make them highly susceptible to misuse. Opioids are drugs that reduce pain by acting on the brain and spinal cord, also influencing emotions to lessen discomfort. While historically used for acute pain, cough, and diarrhea, and more recently for chronic pain, they can also trigger euphoria, making them prone to misuse and addiction.

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The articles in this issue address a range of topics, highlighting the state of the science from perspectives such as epidemiology, clinical correlates, treatment outcomes, and public policy considerations. Unfortunately, some prescription drugs are misused leading to dependence, substance use disorders (SUDs), and even death. In the United States, up to 16.3 million individuals are reported to misuse prescription drugs every year.

What are the historical trends in prescription drug abuse?

• By understanding the causes of prescription drug abuse, we can implement effective prevention and intervention strategies.
• Our holistic approach addresses both the physical and emotional challenges of addiction, helping people rebuild their lives with the right tools and support.
• Furthermore, the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that long-term prescription drug misuse contributes to over 90,000 preventable deaths annually in the United States.

If you’re worried that you or a loved one is abusing prescription drugs, there are ways to get help. Oxford Treatment Center and all of American Addiction Centers facilities utilize evidence-based treatment and therapies to help our patients reach recovery. Every medicine has some risk of side effects, which providers think about when prescribing medicines. Some medicines may not be safe for them, especially at higher doses or when taken with other medicines. Raising awareness through education campaigns, from schools to community programs, helps people understand the dangers of prescription drug abuse.

Prescriptions and Opioids

• Participation in NA has been shown to significantly improve recovery outcomes, with a study by the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment (2021) reporting that 72% of members maintain sobriety after one year of active involvement.
• Finally, many rehab programs include aftercare.13 Aftercare is usually held in group sessions, just like PHP and IOP, but with less frequency, and for only an hour or so at a time.
• The signs and symptoms of prescription drug addiction include physical dependence, psychological cravings, and behavioral changes that vary by drug type.
• Prescription drug misuse is widespread across the United States, affecting people of all ages, from teens to the elderly.
• The misuse of prescription medication can potentially lead to a substance use disorder or addiction and oftentimes, professional treatment is needed.

In West Virginia, for example, a high percentage of people currently abusing prescription drugs started for legitimate medical https://terima168.net/my-true-story-of-alcoholism-addiction-and-the/ purposes, often following a workplace accident. The state, like others in the Appalachia region, has a large number of blue-collar workers who often work in potentially dangerous fields, such as mining or construction, where injuries can be a common occurrence. Prescription medicines are a significant part of our nation’s healthcare expenditures. The Department of Health and Human Services estimated U.S. prescription drug spending in 2018 to reach $535 billion.2 Americans are also avid users of prescription drugs.

Prevention

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), in 2020, approximately 11.4 million people aged 12 or older in the United States misused prescription Twelve-step program pain relievers in the past year. Additionally, 2.0 million people misused prescription stimulants, and 1.6 million people misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives. An intervention is a carefully planned process involving family and friends and others who care about a person struggling with addiction. Consulting an intervention professional, an addiction specialist, a psychologist or a mental health counselor can help you plan an effective intervention.

Meaningful subgroups characterized by fewer risk behaviors and initiating use for the indicated purpose of the medication (e.g., opioids for pain) also have been identified (Nielsen et al., 2011). Several studies have identified gender differences in prescription drug abuse. This may reflect the fact that women are more likely to be prescribed an opioid than men (Parsells Kelly et al., 2008), or may reflect other factors that are unique to prescription drugs. For example, abusing prescription medication may be perceived as “safer” than abuse of illicit drugs (Fleary, Heffer, & McKyer, 2013; Mateu-Gelabert, Guarino, Jessell, & Teper, 2014). It harms people who misuse drugs outside of their specified use or dosage. What begins as therapy for a legitimate health issue may bring about reliance, dependency, and dangerous health consequences.

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It is essential to address the availability and accessibility of prescription drugs, promote responsible prescribing practices, and educate individuals on the risks and proper use of these medications. Additionally, providing alternatives for pain management and ensuring access to mental health services can help reduce the reliance on prescription drugs for self-medication purposes. The treatment options for prescription drug addiction are detoxification, medication-assisted treatment, behavioral therapies, and support groups. These approaches address both the physical dependence and psychological aspects of addiction, with medication reducing withdrawal symptoms and therapy helping to develop coping strategies for long-term recovery. In 2021 alone, approximately 14.3 million individuals reported misusing any prescription psychotherapeutic drug within the past year, signaling a substantial overlap in misuse across various prescription types.

Multiple medical, personal, social, and systemic factors drive medication misuse. When prescribed, stimulants like the amphetamines Adderall,Adderall XR, Dextroamphetamine, and Mydasis can help people with ADHD. But some people use amphetamines to get high, to boost energy and alertness, or to keep their weight down. High doses can cause a dangerous rise in body temperature, irregular heartbeat, and even cardiac arrest. Nicknames for amphetamines include «bennies,» «black beauties,» and «speed.» These are sedatives like phenobarbital, pentobarbital (Nembutal), and secobarbital (Seconal).

Medical consequences

In this article, we’ll uncover the three most abused prescription drugs and the signs of their abuse, answer some commonly asked questions about prescription drug abuse, and introduce you to Clear Steps Recovery and the help we provide. By implementing education and awareness programs, prescription monitoring initiatives, and comprehensive treatment and support services, we can take significant steps in preventing and addressing prescription drug abuse. These strategies work in tandem to create a safer environment and support individuals in their journey towards recovery. When examining the causes and risk factors of prescription drug abuse, it’s important to consider various demographic factors that can contribute to this issue.

Peer influence and social factors also play a role in prescription drug abuse. Individuals who have friends or family members who misuse prescription medications are more likely to engage in similar behavior. Social acceptance, easy access to prescription drug abuse drugs within social circles, and the normalization of prescription drug misuse can contribute to the development of abuse patterns. The availability and accessibility of prescription drugs play a significant role in the misuse and abuse of these medications. Prescription drugs are often obtained through legal means, such as prescriptions from healthcare providers.