JastaPlace Drug Rehab

Prescription drug abuse is increasing among the United States population, especially among adolescents. According to a 2006 research study conducted by the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), approximately 7 million people, or 2.8 percent of the US population, were current users of psychotherapeutic prescription drugs, taken for non-medical reasons. This is up from 6 million reported users, or 2.5 percent of the US population in 2004.

Another 2006 study conducted by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 16.2 million Americans 12 years and older had taken a prescription psychotherapeutic drug for nonmedical reasons at least once in the previous year. The psychotherapeutic class of drugs includes pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants and sedatives.

It is generally believed that the prevalence of prescription drug abuse is due in part to the easy accessibility of prescription drugs. If a person is unable to obtain a prescription from a physician, there are many sites on the internet that allow them easy access to prescription drugs – for a price. Those who are most likely to abuse prescription drugs are also more likely to engage in other risky behaviors such as alcohol abuse and illegal drug use.

The most commonly abused prescription drugs are opioids, depressants and stimulants. Opioids, such as Vicodin or Oxycontin, are most often prescribed to treat pain. Depressants, such as Xanax or Valium, are used to treat sleeping problems and anxiety. Stimulants, including Ritalin and Adderall, are prescribed to treat sleep disorders or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Opioids

The effects of short-term opioid use include feelings of drowsiness compounded with depressed respiration. Risks associated with the abuse of opioids include addiction and overdose, particularly when users crush the pills and snort or inject the drug compounds, elevation their risk of overdose, severe respiratory depression, and death. The injection of these drugs also puts users at a greater risk for HIV infection.

Depressants

The effects of short-term depressant use on the body include a sleepy feeling as the body becomes accustomed to the drug. Risks associated with the abuse of depressants include addiction and severe withdrawal symptoms such as vomiting, shaking, sweating, chills, and seizures that must be managed with the assistance of a vigilant doctor.

Stimulants

The effects of short-term stimulant use include elevated blood pressure compounded with increased breathing and heart rate, suppressed appetite and the inability to sleep. Risks associated with the abuse of stimulants include feverish body temperatures, seizures, and heart complications, including an irregular heart beat. These types of drugs are often falsely viewed as a safe means by which to lose weight or improve concentration. In truth, stimulants are a highly addictive type of drug.

Prescription Drug Treatment

Behavioral and pharmacological treatment plans are two methods to approach prescription drug treatment. A pharmacologic plan counteracts the abused drug’s effects through medication and helps users to overcome drug cravings and alleviate withdrawal symptoms. A behavioral treatment plan teaches users how to live drug-free by handling their drug cravings, avoiding situations that may trigger cravings, and how to handle potential relapses. Research has shown that a combination of behavioral and pharmacological treatments may be the best approach to battling prescription drug addiction.