Medicines are taken by most people only for the reason the doctors prescribe them for. However, it is estimated that about 20 percent of the people use these drugs for reasons that are non-medical. A few people experiment with prescription drugs hoping to have fun, lose weight, study more effectively, etc. Some prescription drugs are sold illegally like drugs. All this amounts to prescription drug abuse and is a growing menace.
The prescriptions drugs that are abused can turn addictive. The commonly abused prescription medications include painkillers, stimulants used for ADHD, sedatives/tranquilizers used to treat anxiety disorders, etc., among others.
Why Are Prescription Drugs Addictive
Many prescription drugs contain opiates and this is the reason why they become addictive. Opiates produce artificial endorphins (feel-good-hormones) in the brain that cause surges of warm feelings to be generated in the user. Over time, the opiates trick the brain into not producing natural endorphins. In the absence of natural endorphins, the drug user feels depressed. The drug user feels low when not on the prescription drugs. To avoid low periods, the person ends up using these drugs to feel better and consequently becomes addicted.
Some Addictive Prescription Drugs
Listed below are some common prescription drugs that are frequently abused.
Vicodin is an opiate-based painkiller frequently abused for the euphoria that it creates. It also leaves behind strong withdrawal symptoms.
Demerol is a painkiller that inhibits the part of the brain that controls pain. It induces euphoria. Abrupt stoppage of using the drug induces withdrawal symptoms such as depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, etc.
Darvocet is a drug that was used to control pain in surgical cases. Acetaminophen content in the drug can damage the liver due to extended use.
Amphetamines produce euphoria and create effects similar to those when cocaine is used. This class of drugs can become addictive when users want to avoid low depressive periods after the 'rush' or euphoria. This drug is commonly used by students, truck drivers, etc., who need to stay awake for long periods of time.
The above list is not exhaustive and gives information only about some of the addictive prescription drugs. Some of the common symptoms developed by those who suffer from prescription drug addiction include depression, hypertension, rapid movement of eyeballs, constipation, insomnia, confusion, poor judgment, slowed down breathing, etc., among others.
Though experts really cannot pinpoint the reason why this type of abuse is on the rise, easy availability seems to play a major role. Doctors end up prescribing more drugs for the ever-increasing health problems. Young people, who are among the most vulnerable, do not need to seek out drug dealers for buying and using these drugs; they are available at home. Parents have to be cautioned into storing such medicines securely and promptly discarding unused medicines. Online pharmacies have made it very easy for youngsters to get prescription medicines without a prescription.
Identifying prescription drug abuse early enough makes it an easier problem to handle before it turns into a serious addiction. Prescription drug addiction rehabs focus to help victims to manage their current medications without spiraling back into addiction. Many of these institutions offer comprehensive holistic programs that are designed to suit the needs of the individual patient through customized therapies, alternative healing techniques, and social group support.