Prescription Drug AbusePrescription drug abuse happens more in our culture than is probably realized by most of us. Prescription drug abuse can be happening next door, in our own house, at work, or by the people who are supposed to protect or take care of us. Prescription drug abuse doesn’t get much attention, but it should. Perscription drug abuse seems to happen because people have the false notion that abusing prescription drugs is safer than the abuse of illicit drugs. This is a false notion. Prescription drugs are only safe for those people that they have been prescribed for and only in the dosage prescribed. When prescribed drugs are abused they will have the same negative effects on the brain as illicit drugs and become just as addictive. Prescription drug abuse of stimulants that have been prescribed for weight loss, narcolepsy, ADHD and depression are sold to those who abuse drugs as an ‘upper’. They will have a similar effect as methamphetamine or cocaine. Also since these drugs are prescribed for weight loss, some think that if they take the medication, even though not prescribed for them, that they will achieve their weight loss goals much more quickly. This can have severe consequences. When a person’s health care provider prescribes a drug for them, they are aware of other health conditions. Prescription drug abuse by someone who was not prescribed a particular medication can result in serious physical injury, addiction or even death. Another type of prescription drug that is abused is pain killers. Some of these are Oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), and meperidine (Demerol). These drugs block pain signals from getting to the brain. Prescription drug abuse of these substances can cause the central nervous system to shut down all together in those that may have an allergy or sensitivity to the drug. Also these drugs are prescribed according to health condition, weight and medical background and a person who takes them without a prescription is taking a great risk. These types of drugs can also be highly addictive. Some people can even become accidentally addicted to pain killers if they are taking prescription medication for pain over a long period of time. Prescription drug abuse is the silent epidemic. Those addicted to medications their health acre provider has prescribed are ashamed to admit that they are having a problem. Prescription drugs are much easier to come by than illicit drugs for those who have drug abuse issue. However, prescription drug abuse can be just as deadly as abuse of illicit drugs and have just as many negative effects on your life and physical well being. Remember, the first step to recovery is admitting that there is a problem. |