Addiction is a very real and very dangerous problem in our modern society. However, there is another severe problem that also deserves to be addressed directly. Many people who use prescription drugs follow the exact instructions provided by their doctors or caregivers. However, a large percentage of U.S. juveniles and adults suffer from a form of drug abuse, in which they continue to use prescription drugs after an established period. Perhaps you know someone who is currently abusing medications. Likewise, maybe you have suffered from this terrible ordeal. Either way, you should always be informed of the potential dangers of the very drugs that can help us. Here is a closer look at the warning signs of prescription drug abuse.
What is Drug Abuse?
Drug abuse takes place when a person continues taking a prescription once a medical problem as subsided or consumes excessively quantities of the substance (in contrast to a doctor’s instructions). Often, people will abuse drugs to achieve a euphoric or relaxed sensation or to cope with a stressful ordeal.
However, addicts are not abusers. The human brain is programmed to make us continue an activity if it brings us great joy or a sense of release. In the case of drug addicts, these individuals cannot escape their ordeal without rigorous intervention and withdrawal. Substance abusers can potentially quit using drugs at any time.
Statistics for Prescription Drug Abuse
NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) reports indicate that approximately 48 million people (20% of the country’s population) ranging at 12 years of age and older have abused prescription drugs at some time in their lives. However, in the past few years, people who have admitted to drug abuse have visited ERs or took part in intervention programs designed for addicts.
Which Drugs Are Commonly Abused?
As defined by NIDA, people typically abuse three types of prescription medications:
- Opioids: prescribed for severe, unmanageable pain
- CNS Depressants: prescribed for alleviation of depression, anxiety, or insomnia
- Stimulants: prescribed for sleep problems (narcolepsy) and ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)
Signs of Abuse
If you suspect you, a loved one, or a friend is abusing prescription drugs, here are some signals that you are suffering from this problem:
- Long-term or excessive use of a drug (once the period established by a doctor has passed)
- Signs of chemical dependency after quitting the drug (nausea, sweating, fever, or possibly seizures)
- Loss of interest in social activities and regression
- Changes in appetite and sleep patterns
- Searching medicine cabinets for drugs that are similar to a previous prescription
Always remember that drugs do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a form of drug addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.
