With the amount on the market and the relative ease of obtaining them, it is no wonder prescription drug abuse is on the rise. Abuse of prescription drugs has increased over 400% since 1998. Currently, over 6 million Americans use prescription drugs for nonmedical reasons.

If you or someone you love is addicted to prescription drugs, contact one of the treatment programs listed on Recoverycorps.org.

Most Abused Drugs
Opioid Pain Relievers
The most abused prescription drugs are opioid pain relievers. Their primary ingredient is the opium extracted from the poppy plant. They’re produced synthetically in laboratories as derivatives such as hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin), propoxyphene (Darvon), hydromorphone (Dilaudid), meperidine (Demerol), and diphenoxylate (Lomotil).

These opioids are prescribed for moderate to severe pain. They are primarily available in pills, liquids, and suppositories.

Benzodiazepines
These are depressants prescribed for anxiety relief and muscle relaxation. There are 15 benzodiazepines medications on the market. The most common are diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Stimulants
These drugs are central nervous system stimulants that are prescribed to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, adolescents, and adults. Common brand names are Ritalin, Concerta, and Adderall. By enhancing brain activity, these stimulants increase one's attention, alertness, and energy.

Erectile dysfunction drugs
These drugs are abused to a much lesser extent than the others. They include brand names Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra.

Who Is Abusing?
Anyone can and does abuse prescription drugs. But some groups are more at risk than others because of circumstances.

Women are 55% more likely than men to be prescribed drugs that are abused like pain relievers and depressants.

The elderly are at risk because they’re more likely to take medications and take them long term.
People who have mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder are more likely to abuse drugs in general.

Adults who have previously abused substances like alcohol or cocaine are more likely to be opiate addicts.
Smokers and young people are at higher risk.

Those who have experienced childhood trauma (physical or sexual abuse, losing a parent, or witnessing violence) are more at prone to abuse. These experiences create changes in the brain that are still not completely understood.

If you’re in one of these groups, you’re more likely to have a prescription drug addiction.

By the Numbers
Almost 50% of all Americans take a prescription drug.

About 6.3 million Americans currently use prescription drugs for nonmedical reasons, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. One in five Americans misused a prescription drug at least once in their lifetime.

Almost one in five teens -- roughly 4.5 million -- has tried getting high with prescription drugs like Vicodin, Oxycontin, Ritalin or Adderall., according to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America. Nearly 1 in 10 high school seniors took Vicodin in the past year. With teens opioid abuse is second only to marijuana in popularity.

In 2008, prescription drug abuse (25.8%) was the second leading cause of admissions to treatment centers just behind cocaine (26.2%). 

Why Is Abuse Increasing?
There are a number of reasons prescription drug abuse is on the rise:

  • Doctors are less restrictive in prescribing, especially pain pills.
  • More pills in the medicine cabinet means more access for others in a household.
  • Less social stigma—you don’t typically buy prescriptions on the street corner.
  • Some, especially teens, believe they’re safer than illegal drugs.
  • Because of the availability, more people are exposed to these drugs. The more exposed the more abuse.
  • According to research, 5% to 10% of the population has brains that are wired for addiction. When these susceptible people start to use, their brain’s reward system tells them they can’t live without the drug. To them, the drug is like food or water. Addiction follows.

The Effects of Abuse

  • Almost 2000 people are treated every day for drug poisoning. Seventy-five die upon arrival at the emergency room.
  • Opioid painkillers are responsible for the majority of deaths from prescription drug abuse.
  • Emergency department (ED) visits for narcotic pain relievers increased 111% from 2004 (144,644) to 2008 (305,885).
  • ED visits involving oxycodone and hydrocodone products, and methadone, increased 152%, 123%, and 73%, respectively, from 2004 to 2008.
  • ED visits for prescription drug abuse increased 113% for patients younger than 21 and 112% for people 21 and older.

Prescription Drug Safety
According to the FDA, you should follow these safety suggestions:

  • Always follow medication directions carefully.
  • Don't increase or decrease doses without talking with your doctor.
  • Don't stop taking medication on your own.
  • Don't crush or break pills.
  • Be clear about the drug's effects on driving and other daily tasks.
  • Learn about the drug's potential interactions with alcohol, other prescription medicines, and over-the-counter medicines.
  • Inform your doctor about your past history of substance abuse.
  • Don't use other people's prescription medications and don't share yours.

Prescription Drug Abuse Rehabilitation
The method for prescription drug rehab will depend on the type of drug the user is addicted to. Treatments usually start with detox under medical supervision.

Opiate pain relievers may require a combination of pharmacological treatment and cognitive behavioral therapy. Drugs like methadone and naltrexone are used to treat opioid addiction.

Benzodiazepines like Xanax may require a different initial approach. Detox is usually gradual because the patient could have seizures if they quit abruptly. In addition, a Xanax user is likely to experience extreme anxiety, depression and panic attacks.

Recoverycorps.org is here to help. Contact a prescription drug treatment center right now if you or someone you know has an addiction. Need help selecting a treatment program? Click here.

Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/features/prescription-drug-abuse-who-gets-addicted-and-why
http://www.nida.nih.gov/drugpages/prescription.html
http://www.justice.gov/dea/pubs/abuse/doa-p.pdf

http://www.fda.gov