Four Things You Need to Know about Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription drug addiction is a very serious issue, and if you or a loved one is facing this difficulty, it is important to stay knowledgeable about the issues it presents, as well as the possibilities for treatment and recovery.

1. Prescriptions aren’t Safer than Illicit Drugs

Even though prescription drugs are prescribed by doctors for their patients to take, this does not make them any safer to abuse than illicit drugs. You may be unaware of the dangers of sharing medication with someone else, or taking a prescription that isn’t yours, but the truth is that these drugs are still not safe for you even though they are used medically. Even if it is your own prescription, you should not take more than the prescribed amount, as this can have serious effects on your brain or body.

2. Take Other Factors into Account

Many individuals may give prescription drugs a try, even if they’re not their own prescription, because they see how it helps another person and they want those same benefits. What they aren’t taking into consideration, however, is that the doctor who prescribed the medication assessed the potential risks in the case of that specific patient before prescribing the drug. The medication, which helps your friend with their issues, may pose a bigger threat to you because of some other medical concern you may have. This is why it is so important to make sure that a doctor personally provides you with a prescription that is suited to your own needs, even if you see somebody else’s medication helping them.

3. Prescription Drugs Pose High Risk

This is especially true with mixing prescription drugs together in your system, as it increases your risk of overdose. According to NIDA for Teens, over half of the overdose deaths in the U.S. each year are caused by prescription drugs, and “In 2001, 9,197 people died from a prescription drug overdose; that number jumped to 25,700 in 2014.” This is a very serious issue that presents many risks, which someone may not have even considered before taking prescription drugs to cure a headache or sleeplessness. The relief that the drugs bring is nowhere near worth the risk that it presents.

4. Your Treatment Options

There are two primary treatment methods for an individual suffering from drug addiction, and the one you use may depend on your specific needs or preferences. First, there is a behavioral treatment to teach you how to function without drugs, as well as how to cope with the cravings and temptations that may arise. These treatments are offered in individual, family, or group settings. The second option pharmacological, which can help treat certain drug addictions and relieve symptoms, as well as counteract the effects on the brain. NIDA suggests that combining psychotherapy along with the substance abuse therapy yields a better result.

If you or a loved one are facing the difficulties of prescription drug addiction, call 800-605-6597 Who Answers? to speak with a caring specialist who can help guide you in the right direction. They can answer any questions or concerns you may have about addiction, and help you find your path to recovery.

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