Prescription Drug Addiction
Prescription drug addiction affects all walks of life in varying income classes, ages, and genders, however, prescription drug addiction occurs most frequently in women, adolescents, and the elderly. Typically, addiction results when the use of prescription drugs escalates from therapeutic or medicinal uses to abusive use. Prescription drug addiction is a growing concern, especially when addicts seek prescription drugs as a “safer” alternative to street drugs.
Addiction can be defined as continued or habitual use of a drug without regard to physical, emotional, behavioral or social consequences. The most commonly abused prescription drugs are benzodiazepines, such as Xanax or Valium, which are used to treat anxiety and opiate painkillers, such as Oxycontin.
Prescription drug addiction is often recognizable by behavioral indicators such as preoccupation with dosing schedules or dosage amounts. Further, individuals suffering from prescription drug addiction may embellish details of their condition or claim it is worsening. Other signs include severe mood changes, lack of concern over major events or situations, and loss of interest in certain areas of life. Withdrawal symptoms occur when the drug is stopped, even temporarily.
Prescription drug addicts may attempt to secure prescription medications in illegal ways, such as stealing a doctor’s prescription pad, trying to gain access to a hospital dispensary, or obtaining drugs from online sources without a prescription.
If you or someone you know is suffering from addiction to prescription medication, it is imperative to get help. The most commonly abused prescription drugs are as addictive as some street drugs and therefore just as difficult to stop taking. It is because of this addictive nature that quitting can be both difficult and dangerous. Often, the body must be detoxified as the central nervous system is weaned from the drug. Help can be sought from a prescribing physician or prescription drug centers across the United States. Many other resources are also available online for stopping prescription drug addiction.
Disclaimer: Cliff Schaffer does not personally endorse or support any of the comments made within the writings of this article. |
 |
Library Archives
Schaffer Library
|
