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The Effects of Prescription Drug Abuse

Prescription drug addiction is one of the most rapidly growing drug related conditions in the developed world. Nearly any type of drug can be misused, but the most commonly abused drugs are both addictive and highly psychoactive. Many people become addicted to prescription drugs after first being prescribed them by a doctor, and then eventually find themselves reliant on its effects.

  1. The Beginning of Prescription Drug Addiction

    • Prescription drug addiction often begins when a patient begins taking a legally prescribed drug, but can also occur when the drugs are obtained illegally. In the former case, the person may begin abusing drugs by shifting toward obtaining them illegally, getting them from a doctor willing to shirk their responsibilities and providing drugs despite danger or a lack of need on the part of the patient, or because the patient misleads the doctor about their symptoms and need for the drug in question.

    Painkiller Addiction

    • Opiate painkillers are some of the most commonly abused and most addictive drugs prescribed. These drugs are usually prescribed following a painful injury or surgery, but in many cases are used to treat chronic pain problems. These highly addictive drugs which include OxyContin, Percoset, Vicodin, Demerol and Codeine, are some of the most addictive and dangerous prescription drugs.

    Treatment for Prescription Drug Addiction

    • The type of treatment necessary for prescription drug addiction differs depending on the substance being abused. In some cases, the addiction must be managed slowly and under close supervision from a medical professional. Some addictions should also be treated by additional medication to manage the side effects of reducing drug consumption.

    Psychiatric Drug Abuse

    • Psychoactive drugs are the other most commonly abused type of medication. Anti-anxiety medications like Xanax, antidepressants like Zoloft and anti-hyperactivity drugs such as Ritalin and Adderall can all lead to dangerous drug addictions. Drug abusers use these medications to achieve a temporary high, but as they build tolerance to the effects, must eventually take increasing amounts of the substance to achieve the same effect.

    Dangers

    • The risks of prescription drug abuse are similar to that of illegal recreational drugs. Addicts that were originally prescribed the drug to treat an underlying condition face the added challenge, if they attempt to address their addiction, to find an alternative treatment for their illness or condition. Many prescription drugs can have serious physical and mental side effects when abused.

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