Introduction
Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem in America, with an estimated 20 million people misusing prescription drugs each year. With the availability of prescription medications, this abuse is becoming more common, especially among young adults. Unfortunately, the consequences of prescription drug abuse can be severe, from addiction and impaired health to death. In this article, we’ll explore the growing problem of prescription drug abuse in the United States and discuss how it can be prevented.
What Is Prescription Drug Abuse?
Prescription drug abuse occurs when an individual takes a medication that was not prescribed for them, or takes a medication in a way that is not approved by a doctor. This includes taking a higher dose than prescribed, taking the medication more often than prescribed, or taking the medication for a longer period of time than prescribed. It also includes taking another person’s prescription medication or taking a medication to get high.
Why Is Prescription Drug Abuse Increasing?
There are several reasons why prescription drug abuse is increasing in the United States. One is the availability of prescription medications. With the rise of online pharmacies, it is easier than ever to get prescription medications without a prescription. In addition, there are more medications available that can be abused, such as painkillers and sedatives.
Another reason is the overprescribing of medications. Doctors often prescribe more medication than a patient needs, making it easy for the patient to have access to extra pills. This can lead to the patient abusing the medication or giving the extra pills to someone else.
The Consequences of Prescription Drug Abuse
The consequences of prescription drug abuse can be severe. It can lead to addiction, impaired health, and even death. It can also lead to financial problems, as prescription drugs can be expensive to buy without a prescription.
In addition, prescription drug abuse increases the risk of overdose. Overdoses are the leading cause of death among people who misuse prescription drugs.
Preventing Prescription Drug Abuse
Fortunately, there are several steps that can be taken to help prevent prescription drug abuse. One is to properly dispose of any unused or expired medications. This can help prevent the medications from getting into the wrong hands.
Another step is to talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking. This can help ensure that medications are taken as prescribed and that unnecessary medications are not prescribed.
Finally, it is important to be aware of the warning signs of prescription drug abuse. Signs can include taking more of a medication than prescribed, changes in mood or behavior, and physical symptoms such as nausea and drowsiness.
Conclusion
Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem in America that can have serious consequences. It is important to be aware of the signs of prescription drug abuse and take steps to prevent it. By following these steps, we can help ensure that prescription drugs are used safely and appropriately.
