In recent decades, there has been a significant rise in the general use and abuse of prescription pain medications. This phenomenon can be ascribed to their increased availability and a rise in prescriptions written for these medications. Why are doctors writing more prescriptions for these drugs?
There is a greater demand for treatment of pain, as well as more aggressive marketing campaigns by the pharmaceutical companies who manufacture these drugs. The higher demand has also led to new forms of pain medications hitting the markets sooner. There is a wider and stronger range of opiate analgesics available to Americans than ever before.
Do you need to know more about prescription drug addiction treatment? Call us today at 424.235.2009.
A Growing Problem
Prescription drug abuse has risen dramatically in the decade or so. More addictions, overdoses and deaths have been reported than ever before. The epidemic is costing billions in dollars and taking the lives of many. Illicit use of prescription has begun to take more lives than both cocaine and heroin. Prescription drugs are now used more than any of the illegal street drugs, except for marijuana. There are more people entering into rehab for prescription drug dependence than any other drug.
Risks Of Prescription Drug Abuse
The health risks that come with abusing dangerous prescription drugs is as serious, if not more serious than using illegal opiates. Emergency room visits due to using these drugs was most common for men and women between 21-29 years old. The group associated with the highest risk of death due to prescription drug abuse is white males aged 40-50.
It seems that the risk of a fatal overdose increased with higher dosages, rapidly increasing doses, having multiple prescriptions, refilling early, and using other drugs that fall into the sedative-hypnotic category. Another alarming fact about prescription drug addiction is that newborns are increasingly suffering from withdrawal symptoms related to opiate use.
Teens And Prescription Drugs
Because prescription drugs are so widely prescribed and easy to find in almost every household medicine cabinet, high school aged and even younger children are able to obtain pain medications for recreational use. In 2009 alone, 20% of high school aged kids reported to having used dangerous prescription drugs for fun and the numbers continue to rise. Prescription drugs are now second to marijuana in popularity among this age group.
Use of these drugs seems to be more prevalent among teens living in rural areas. In these towns, the abuse of pain medications has truly become an epidemic.
The Connection Between Crime and Prescription Drug Use
Deaths from automobile accidents are in decline but the deaths that do occur are increasingly caused by prescription narcotics. In 2009, 33% of people killed in an automobile accident tested positive for prescription drugs. The study included narcotics, stimulants, and depressants used for both non medical and medical purposes. Break ins and thefts from pharmacies have also seen a dramatic rise.
Addicted individuals who are no longer able to obtain drugs from old sources will resort to robbery to feed their addiction. As more and more individuals become addicted to prescription narcotics, the number of such incidents will also increase.
Get Help With Prescription Drug Abuse at Seasons in Malibu
At Seasons in Malibu, we specialize in helping people overcome addiction to prescription drugs. Our dedicated team of board-certified doctors and certified professionals have years of experience with treating individuals struggling with addiction to opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, tranquilizers, sedatives, and stimulants.
Our individualized treatment plans focus on providing a safe and supportive environment to help you move toward recovery. We address all aspects of addiction, including physical dependence, psychological issues, and underlying triggers or behaviors that may have contributed to the development of an addiction.
Additionally, our team works with clients to develop relapse prevention strategies for long-term success. Through comprehensive treatment plans and a nurturing environment, we ensure that each person can move forward with their life in a healthy way. We also offer family therapy, group counseling, and post-treatment aftercare options so that our clients can continue to receive support long after they’ve completed treatment.
At Seasons in Malibu, we believe that recovery is possible for everyone who seeks it. Our compassionate team takes the time to truly understand each person’s story. Then, we provide the right tools to help them achieve lasting recovery. We understand that seeking help for addiction can be overwhelming, so our team is here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
We look forward to helping you or your loved one find peace and recovery. Contact us today at 424.235.2009 to begin recovery.