Most of us think of prescription drugs as being safe for us to use. While they are, for the most part, safe, that doesn’t mean that they, too, don’t carry risks when taking them. In fact, prescription drug abuse and addiction are among the most common forms of addiction in America, with millions battling it every day. The trouble is that many of us taking prescription drugs don’t even realize they are addictive until we need help. At See Purpose, we understand the struggles that go along with addiction and that sometimes even those who use drugs as they are prescribed are still at risk of becoming addicted. In this post, we are going to look at prescription drug addiction, why prescription drug misuse is so common, the signs of misuse, and how to find prescription drug treatment in Indiana.
Why is Prescription Drug Abuse So Common?
There are actually several reasons why prescription drug abuse is as common as it is, particularly in the United States.
Firstly, when we think about the sheer volume of prescriptions that are taken every day, this contributes significantly to the number of abuse cases because even at a low percentage, some people are bound to abuse their prescriptions either accidentally or for different reasons on purpose.
Another reason that abuse is common is that many people enjoy how certain drugs make them feel, which makes them find ways to get that feeling more often. Whether it is pain relief, psychoactive effects, or some form of stimulation, the results of the drugs often lend themselves to misuse, and people find new ways to abuse them.
Lastly, even though not everyone realizes it, many of the drugs prescribed regularly have a high potential for addiction and abuse. In many cases, even accidental misuse is common just due to the nature of the drug itself, and people can find themselves addicted just from taking the drug as prescribed if they aren’t careful, especially if they end up taking the same drug over a long period.
Which Prescription Drugs Are Commonly Abused?
While any drug has the potential for abuse to some degree, certain categories of prescription drugs are more widely abused than others.
The most widely misused type of drug in America in the category of drugs known as opioids. Opioids are highly prescribed to help alleviate and manage pain from moderate injuries to chronic and severe illnesses like cancer. Not only are all opioids highly addictive on their own, but they are also prescribed in such great numbers that millions more people get addicted every year.
The second most abused category of drugs is known as benzodiazepines. These drugs are most often used to treat mental disorders like anxiety and depression. Due to their psychoactive effects and the way they interact with the brain chemistry. Many people find themselves addicted to them after taking them for a long time.
While those are the two most common, other categories such as stimulants and depressants are also abused as well. Depending on the nature of use and how much or how long a person has been using a particular drug, there is almost always a potential for abuse and eventual addiction.
What Are the Signs of Prescription Drug Misuse?
Every case of misuse is different depending on the individual, but there are some common signs that a person may be misusing prescription drugs.
For instance, many start off misusing prescription drugs simply by taking more than is prescribed at one time. This leads to them running out early and needing more prescriptions. A second example is if they change the way in which they ingest the drug, such as going from taking a pill, to crushing and snorting the medication to achieve the effects sooner.
Once they start to become addicted, they will usually become withdrawn from family and friends in order to engage in drug-seeking behavior. Neglecting life responsibilities and even legal trouble are all signs that someone may be misusing prescription drugs.
How to Find Prescription Drug Treatment in Indiana
If you know someone that is abusing prescription drugs, then the time to get them help is now. See Purpose is Indiana’s premier alcohol and drug rehab facility. We offer a residential inpatient rehab in Indiana, for clients where we focus on getting to the root of the addiction, not just treating the symptoms.
We offer medically supervised detox as well as a host of treatment options and aftercare planning to continue the journey once treatment is complete. Each program is tailored to the individual to maximize the chances of success.
Contact See Purpose today when you or a loved one is ready to get help with your prescription drug addiction.
