Prescription Drug Addiction Health Risk Factors
Learn more about prescription drug addiction health risk factors, understanding the addiction, and how to get help.
Prescription Drug Addiction Health Risk Factors
Table of Contents
Introduction
The fastest-growing drug abuse problem in the United States is not illicit substances such as cocaine, meth, or heroine. Instead, it is prescription drug addiction, as these substances are readily and legally obtained, socially accepted, and the risks are not always wholly understood. Some prescription drugs have a high risk of addiction and abuse, and the prolonged use of the drug can pose a lethal threat to your health.
Rise of Prescription Drug Addiction
Aside from the risk of overdosing, prescription drug abuse can cause severe damage to organs such as the liver, throat, brain, lungs, and nervous system. It also increases the likelihood of mental illnesses like depression and paranoia. This article examines the health risk factors associated with prescription drug addiction, including the most commonly abused prescription drugs.
Understanding Prescription Drug Addiction
Prescription drug abuse can range from taking too much of a prescribed medication, to using another person’s medication, to injecting or snorting crushed medicine. The repeated abuse of prescription medication leads to addiction, which is when the individual continues to use the drugs even if they are aware of its adverse effects on their body due to the need to use said drug to function.
Scope of Prescription Drug Addiction
What Are The Most Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs?
The abuse of prescription drugs has become more and more prevalent, taking a devastating toll on individuals, families, and the community. Some prescription drugs are more addictive than others, especially if they release dopamine, known as the “feel-good” hormone. The most commonly abused prescription drugs fall under three main categories: painkillers, stimulants, and depressants.
Prescription Opioids
- Oxycodone
- Hydrocodone
- Fentanyl
- Codeine
- Co-codamol
- Tramadol
Prescription Benzodiazepines
- Diazepam
- Alprazolam
- Chlordiazepoxide
- Zolpidem
Prescription Stimulants
Prescription Drug Abuse Signs And Symptoms
The primary signs and symptoms associated with prescription drug abuse include:
- Dizziness
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Upset stomach, vomiting, or constipation
- Slurred speech
- Poor coordination
- Mood swings
- Depression or anxiety
Causes of Prescription Drugs Abuse
Drug abuse is typically a very personalized experience, and there are many reasons someone might decide to abuse prescription drugs. The following are some of the most common reasons why people may begin abusing prescription medication:
- To get a euphoric feeling, or a “high”
- To relax or relieve mental and bodily tension
- To reduce appetite or increase alertness
- To prevent withdrawal symptoms
- To fit in among social groups
Who Is At Risk For Prescription Drug Addiction?
Prescription drug addiction affects people of all ages. Still, older adults who tend to take more medications, females, and daily alcohol drinkers are at the most significant risk for prescription drug addiction. Genetics, past trauma, and physical and/or mental illness also increase the risk of addiction.
- To get a euphoric feeling, or a “high”
- To relax or relieve mental and bodily tension
- To reduce appetite or increase alertness
- To prevent withdrawal symptoms
- To fit in among social groups
What are the Health Risks of Prescription Drug Addiction?
Prolonged addiction to and abuse of prescription drugs can lead to numerous health complications, some of which can be fatal. Prescription drug addiction is a dangerous condition that can lead to death in extreme cases, especially when consumed in high doses or combined with other drugs. Here are some of the health risks associated with the most commonly abused prescription drugs.
Opioid Health Risks
Some of the health risks associated with opioid addiction may include:
- Infections in the heart or the lungs
- Dehydration
- Liver disease
- Skin problems
- Anxiety
- Seizure
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Overdose
CNS Stimulant Health Risks
- Depression
- Sleep problems
- Mood swings
- Panic attacks
- Heart disease
- Headaches
- Weight loss
- Paranoia
- Gut issues, such as constipation
- Overdose
CNS Depressant Health Risks
- Loss of coordination
- Depression
- Dementia
- Impaired memory and concentration
- Sexual dysfunction
- Anxiety
- Overdose
How To Stop Prescription Drug Addiction
- Recognize that you have an addiction to the prescription drug
- Recognize your triggers
- Talk to your doctor about treatment options
- Prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs)
- Go to a rehabilitation center
Preventing Prescription Drug Abuse
To lower the risk of prescription drug abuse, you should never change your medication regimen without first checking in with your doctor. You should also take the necessary steps to understand your medication and its effects. You should be aware of what effects to expect and which are abnormal.
- Make sure you are getting the proper medication and dosage
- Check in with your doctor regularly
- Follow medication directions carefully
- Know what your medication does
- Never use another person’s prescription
- Don’t order prescriptions online unless they’re from a reputable pharmacy
Get the Help with Prescription Drug Addiction at Arrow Passag
At Arrow Passage, we understand that addiction treatment can vary widely on a patient-by-patient basis, which is why we employ a diverse team of drug addiction specialists and offer a vast array of treatment options to guarantee long-term success in your recovery from addiction.
Reach us today to get help for prescription drug abuse.
Resources
- https://cdc.gov/drugoverdose/
- https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/misuse-prescription-drugs/what-scope-prescription-drug-misuse
- https://hhs.gov/opioids/about-the-epidemic/opioid-crisis-statistics/index.html
- https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6358464/
- https://nida.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/2018/04/five-million-american-adults-misusing-prescription-stimulants#:~:text=Looking%20at%%20annual%20averages%2C%20approximately,%25%20(or%200.4%20million)%20had
