Most people in the United States take prescription drugs as prescribed. Approximately 20 percent of those who use prescription drugs do so without a prescription. In the United States, prescription drug addiction is an epidemic. People all over the United States are dying and lives are being destroyed from prescription drug addiction.
Experts are unsure why prescription drug abuse continues to increase. The availability of prescription drugs and/or the assumption that they are more acceptable than “street drugs” are some of the reasons for the increase in prescription drug addiction. Other reasons for the increase in prescription drug abuse include online pharmacies, which make it easy to get prescription drugs, and the reality that doctors are prescribing more drugs than ever before. No matter the reason, prescription drug addiction kills.
Ahead of methamphetamine, cocaine, ecstasy, heroin and others, prescription drug abuse is the second most commonly abused class of drugs. The most abused classes of prescription medications include pain relievers or opioids such as Lortab (hydrocodone), Oxycontin (oxycodone), Dilaudid (hydromorphone), and Demerol (meperidine); anxiety medication or central nervous system depressants including barbiturates and benzodiazepines such as Valium (diazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam); and stimulants for ADHD such as Ritalin and Adderall. Prescription drug abuse presents an exceptional challenge because of the need to balance the abuse associated with prescription drug addiction with the legitimate need for the medications.
Several options are available for effectively treating addiction to prescription drugs; however, some options are more successful than others. Debbie Ross, executive director of Narconon Gulf Coast which is a drug rehab program that has proven to be successful in treating prescription drug addiction claims, “Many of those who are suffering from prescription drug addiction will claim that they have a legitimate reason for taking the drug. Unfortunately, no matter the reason, people who suffer from prescription drug addiction have a serious drug problem and need help.” Prescription drug abuse is a killer. Fortunately, there are drug treatment options available that can help those suffering from prescription drug addiction to live a drug-free life.
Every day Narconon Gulf Coast helps people suffering with prescription drug addiction. If you or your loved one needs help in overcoming prescription drug addiction, call Narconon Gulf Coast at 800-253-3168. Caring counselors are available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
