Prescription drugs have become a severe addiction problem in the United States. Unlike street drugs, prescription drugs are legal and when prescribed by a physician, easy to get. Governments, doctors, and pharmacies are beginning to work together to fight this problem, but it takes efforts from many different parties to effectively make a difference. Aggressive action is demanded in this situation.
Most people with an addiction to prescription pills will need drug rehab for prescription drug abuse. The withdrawal, both psychologically and physically, can be significant. Therefore, a medical support staff is needed to get off the medicines safely. And, after rehab, the person needs to change their behaviors and possibly the environment they live in to achieve a successful sobriety.]
Many people are losing their lives as they succumb to the addiction to various drugs. Some of these drugs include:
Opioid Painkillers
These drugs are narcotics used to treat moderate to severe pain. The list of opioids includes oxycodone, fentanyl, and morphine. They are designed to affect the opioid receptors in the spinal cord, brain, and other parts of the body. They trick the brain into thinking there is no pain. What happens is that over time, people need a greater amount of the drug to stop the pain. This leads to addiction because the person is not dependent upon the drug and suffer withdrawal and severe pain when the medicine is stopped. This addiction and inability to get off the drug have led to the opioid epidemic that is killing people all over the country.
Adderall
Adderall is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by changes receptors in the brain and is considered a stimulant. It is used to improve focus but also to keep patients awake. Some people take it to stay awake for long periods of time. Staying up for extended periods of time can lead to brain malfunction, delirium, and physical health problems. Continued misuse of the drug leads to addiction, making it impossible for a person to function normally without the medication.
Xanax
This medicine is a controlled substance that treats anxiety and panic disorder. It affects the brain and nerves and creates a calming effect by enhancing chemicals in the body. The more you use the drug, the more dependent the brain becomes on the drug to reach the same level of calmness. Thus, the more you take it, the more you need to achieve the same feeling. This drug can cause suicidal thoughts, memory impairment, and impaired coordination. People taking this should not mix it with other substances, especially alcohol because it can lead to death because of decreased breathing.
Anabolic Steroids
These drugs have valid medical purposes, but their common use it to be used illegally. Weightlifters and bodybuilders use them to bulk up their muscle mass. Users may start using small amounts of the drug in the beginning but will eventually need more and more of the drug to achieve the desired effect. Most of these drugs are obtained illegally and can have severe side effects, including behavior issues and anger problems.
Doctors, hospitals, rehab centers, law enforcement, and the government need to work together to stop the influx of prescription drugs into communities for illegal purposes. Helping to stop and reduce these drugs on the streets can save lives and assist people in getting the help they need. Prescription drugs are just as deadly as street drugs and we all need to take notice to make a difference.
