Prescription Drug Abuse | Problem

Prescription drug abuse can refer to the intentional misuse of a drug without a written prescription from a doctor.  Opiates such as codeine, vicodin and oxycodone are prescribed to manage debilitating or chronic pain problems but because they also induce a state of euphoria in addition to relieving pain, they are very popular street drugs for prescription drug abuse. Some extremely popular street drugs being abused are opiate derivatives and antidepressants.  Very strong opiate drugs play a critical role in pain management but they aren’t appropriate for all pain. Treatment needs to be tailored depending on a patient’s specific condition. Opiates are known for suppressing the respiratory system and have numerous side effects including drowsiness, constipation, urinary retention, nausea, vomiting and many others.  Physician supervision and appropriate use is critical for all prescription drugs to avoid abuse and misuse. Doctors must consider a patient’s diagnosis and whether non-addictive treatments should be tried first. The safety of the drug is based on taking the drug exactly as intended.

Combating the Prescription Drug Abuse Problem

NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse), along with several health organizations, has launched a national initiative to educate the public about the dangers of prescription drug abuse problems, and in particular – the non-medical use of prescription drugs and their potential for abuse and addiction. With psychological addiction, there is a preoccupation with obtaining and using drugs that persists despite the consequences. Psychological addiction is distinct from physical dependence and tolerance, but the presence of these problems can complicate the treatment of addiction. Both prescription drug abuse problems of psychological addiction and physical dependence can happen together, but they are not the same.

Physical dependence, which is sometimes unavoidable, develops when an individual is exposed to a drug at a high enough dose for long enough that the body adapts and develops a tolerance for the drug. This means that higher doses are needed to achieve a drug’s original effects and if the patient stops taking the drug, withdrawal will occur. But the development of physical dependence doesn’t necessarily lead to addiction in all cases. It means that the individual can’t just stop taking the drug. Instead the dose has to be tapered off to gradually decrease a drug’s amount over time to prevent withdrawal reactions.

If you or someone you know suffers from a prescription drug abuse problem, you can receive the help you need 24 hours a day and 7 days a week by calling our Drug Abuse Helpline at 1-800-943-0566.  Our friendly staff can counsel you and help you find the perfect program or support group for your specific needs.  All calls are toll-free and confidential.