Prescription Drug Abuse

One of the newer commonly abused forms of drug addiction is prescription drug abuse. Affecting the lives of many people in the United States, trying to put an end to it can feel helpless. Many people become addicted over a gradual process without even noticing. Essential steps for identifying prescription drug misuse is to know the drug, how it occurs, and when to seek help.

Whether the drug was prescribed by a doctor or obtained in another way, prescription drug abuse can be very dangerous. At Healthy Life Recovery, our San Diego drug rehab offers treatment to overcome your substance addiction. Let our dedicated recovery team help you so that you can live a happier, drug-free life.

What You Need to Know About Prescription Drugs

When prescribed by a doctor, prescription drugs can be helpful in treating diseases or treat pain caused by a disease. Prescription medication can be the difference between a content, healthy individual and a sad, painful illness. For people who suffer from conditions such as asthma, cancer, anxiety, and depression, medication can be a game-changer. 

Many people use prescription drugs recreationally and not for a mental health or medical condition. The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that around 52 million Americans over 12 have used prescription drugs nonmedically. Prescription drug abuse can have serious side effects and consequences that require professional treatment.

Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs

The three types of prescription drugs that are most commonly abused are:

• Opioids – these are prescription painkillers.
• Stimulants – these are prescribed for ADHD, narcolepsy, or weight loss. 
• Central nervous system (CNS) depressants – barbiturates and benzodiazepines are prescribed for anxiety or sleeping issues. Perhaps some of these most commonly abused drugs are alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium).

People who abuse prescription drugs the most are young adults, ages 18-25. The reasoning can vary, such as needing to study more efficiently to wanting to get high. 

Misuse and high doses can be very dangerous, resulting in a coma or death. In 2014, over 1,700 young adults died from overdosing on prescription medication (mostly opioids). More people died from opioids than heroin and cocaine combined (street drugs). For each death related to prescription drugs, there were 119 emergency room visits, and 22 treatment emissions.

Help Keep San Diego Healthy

In 2018, 246 people in San Diego died unintentionally from prescription drugs. Of these deaths, 92 were Fentanyl-related. You can make a big difference in helping keep San Diego County healthy and safe. Become involved by:

•  Safely dispose of your old prescriptions at a Take Back Event or Local Disposal Bins 
• Do not share your medications, or use medications prescribed to someone else 
• Ask for help to gather residents in your community to a meeting or event that assembles your neighbors on this issue 
• Share this information and talk to your loved ones and neighbors about the risks involved with the misuse of prescription drugs

Prescription Drug Abuse Treatment in San Diego

Prescription drug abuse is a major problem in the United States, especially among young adults. Whether it’s opioid, depressant, or stimulant abuse, treatment programs are available to help. Our drug rehab at Healthy Life Recovery offers individualized treatment plans to help you overcome addiction. We provide therapy, medicated-assisted treatment, and sober-living so that you can maintain the motivation needed to live a healthy life.