Prescription drugs are some of the most dangerous substances in the United States. Despite coming at the recommendations of medical professionals, these substances often have high abuse and addiction potentials. In fact, there are more people struggling with prescription drug abuse than there are users of meth, cocaine, and heroin combined. These facts about prescription drugs help us recognize how dangerous and widespread this epidemic is.
Facts About Prescription Drugs
Many people have a hard time recognizing the danger of prescription drugs. It’s hard for them to acknowledge that the substances in their medicine cabinets can lead to deadly addictions. However, failing to acknowledge the problem is what leads to misuse and addictions. In fact, over 50% of people get prescription drugs from family members. This includes children and teenagers who steal the substances from their parents’ cabinets. To prevent incidents like these, it’s important to properly dispose of substances when they’re no longer needed.
Additionally, it’s important to keep an eye on children and loved ones who have prescriptions for substances like opioids, benzodiazepines, or stimulants. Without realizing it, individuals with these prescriptions can easily become dependent.
The Danger of Prescription Painkillers
Another one of the facts about prescription drugs is that prescription painkillers are some of the most potent addictive substances that exist. They have euphoric effects that relieve pain, but can also cause users a high when abused. This is why the substance is highly sought after, even by those who don’t experience any chronic pain.
It’s common to receive prescriptions after surgery or in the event of a severe injury. Since prescriptions for painkillers are so commonplace, it’s also easy for those who abuse them to get a hold of them. Understanding proper prescription drug disposal is essential to keeping your loved ones safe.
Stimulants, Tranquilizers, and Sedatives
Stimulants, tranquilizers, and sedatives are other classes of prescription drugs that individuals can abuse. Typically, stimulants include substances like Adderall, which treats individuals with ADHD. Additionally, tranquilizers and sedatives are primarily benzodiazepines like Xanax, which helps individuals with sleep disorders and anxiety. Although these substances are essential for people with these disorders, they still pose a threat when misused.
Adderall and other stimulants are commonly abused among students and young adults who may use the substance to focus on their studies or stay out longer when drinking. Similarly, individuals may abuse Xanax and other sedatives to achieve a euphoric high. One of the scariest facts about prescription drugs is that as mental health disorders are more recognized and more of these prescriptions become available, it’s also easier for those who misuse them to get a hold of them.
If you or someone you love has a tranquilizer, stimulant, or sedative prescription, ensure that they use their substance properly and never loan it out to anyone else.
Overcome Prescription Drug Addiction with Crestview Recovery
The facts about prescription drugs can be scary, but there’s hope for those struggling with a prescription drug addiction. Crestview Recovery offers several comprehensive addiction treatment programs to help those who need rehab. Some of our programs include:
- Prescription painkiller addiction treatment program
- Xanax addiction treatment program
- Oxycodone addiction treatment program
To learn more about our facility and how we can help you, call us today at 866.262.0531.
