Posts Tagged prescribed drugs

Prescription Drug Abuse: The Danger of Easy Access to Supply

Posted by Drug Free in Drug Addiction, Prescription Drug Abuse on November 10th, 2009

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to go to the streets to buy drugs. Some of the drugs that can cause addiction are readily available at your local pharmacy. But the fact that it is sold legally does not change the reality that these drugs can also damage your body if taken in unchecked doses. Taking drugs such as valium, decongestants, and even cough syrup is dangerous in high doses, which makes the task of understanding the nature of prescription drug abuse a lot more important.

Prescription Drug AbuseWhile street drugs such as marijuana, meth, and cocaine have immediate extreme effects on the body, prescription drugs are relatively milder, but this does not mean that they are less dangerous. The most common abused prescription drugs include painkillers, sleeping pills, decongestants and cough syrup. All of these drugs are made to numb the senses, and can give the user an artificial sense of being free of pain and discomfort.

So why abuse prescription drugs? The reasons for this phenomenon are mainly social, a dimension of analysis that must not be overlooked when it comes to drug addiction. But whatever the user’s reasons may be, the fact of the matter remains the same — that they want to enjoy the feeling of escaping from reality, if only for a moment. The perception that using drugs to simulate this feeling may seem foolish at first, but then again, it shows how desperate the person can get out from the unpleasant experiences that life can bring them.

While the thought of them being legal gives people some degree of comfort when using them, prescription drugs can still be as dangerous as street drugs if taken in high quantities. The cycle of addiction would still apply to both kinds of drugs, where you may be trapped in it and find yourself unable to get out because of the sense of uncontrollable dependence on the drug.

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Addiction to Prescription Drugs is on the rise

Posted by DrugFreeHomes in Prescription Drug Abuse on July 20th, 2009

The untimely death of pop star Michael Jackson has once again raised the question “Are prescription drugs beneficial or harmful for health?” I believe that a majority of people will speak for the motion. But a few, like me who have had the opportunity to know the reality, will speak against it. Yes, addiction to prescription drugs is scaling up.

Such drugs are definitely useful when used as directed by the physician. But often they are misused – taken in larger doses.

A survey conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) in 2007 has shown that around 15% of the US high school students abuse prescription drugs. Addiction to such drugs is prevalent mostly among young adults between 18 – 25 years who are unaware of the inherent danger.

The causes are easy availability and a common belief that such drugs are not harmful since they have been prescribed by doctors. “A safe way to get the high” said a senior student.

3 groups of prescribed drugs are generally abused –

• Opioids prescribed for relieving pain e.g. Morphine like Kodian and Avinza, Oxycodone like OxyContin and Percocet.

• Central Nervous System depressants that are used for treating anxiety, sleeplessness, e.g., Barbiturates like Mebaral and Nembutal, Benzodiazepines like Valium and Xanax.

• Stimulants that are prescribed to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), obesity, narcolepsy e.g. Detroamphetamine like Dexedrine and Adderall, Methylphenidate like Ritalin and Concerta.

So please be aware of prescribed drugs. Keep in mind the fine line that differentiates between using and abusing such drugs. Remember they are as dangerous as illegal drugs like brown sugar since they are highly addictive and dangerous. Consult a doctor immediately if you feel that someone in your family is abusing prescription drugs.

Take the Tour: http://www.theantidrug.com/drug_info/prescription_dangerZones.asp

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What is your role as parents to prevent drug addiction?

Posted by DrugFreeHomes in Drug Addiction, Drug Facts, Drug Rehabilitation on July 18th, 2009

Drug addiction is undoubtedly a disease that can be arrested but not cured. It is therefore absolutely necessary to focus on its preventive aspect. It is high time that people begin to realize that the only way to stop addiction is to prevent taking drugs even once.

Most people fail to understand that addiction is a problem and that it might even affect their dear ones. Drug abuse among the teenagers and young adults is on the rise. The choice of chemicals might have shifted over to prescribed drugs or over the over-the-counter drugs but the nature of addiction remains the same.

Thus, as responsible members of the society, you should come forward to form a shield to protect the younger generation from becoming victims of drug addiction.

The role of parents is crucial in preventing drug abuse among children. Good parenting, building a stable and strong bondage between the family members, trusting each other, and consistency among the parents regarding rewarding and punishing help in building a congenial atmosphere at home where a child feels secured and wanted.

This helps in building up self confidence and maturity which in turn prevents drug addiction.

As parents, I feel you can do these to prevent drug addiction?

  • Communicate openly with children about the hazards of drug addiction.
  • Be patient listeners. Encourage them to speak about their problems, listen to them and help them in solving the problems.
  • Take interest in the daily activities of children and have a thorough knowledge of their friends. A sudden change in the friend circle is something to be noted.
  • Set examples by not using drugs or alcohol yourselves.
  • Be well informed about facts related to drug abuse.
  • Provide encouragement in building interest in different modes of recreation.

I found this site to be extremely helpful. Explore to find what the experts have to say
http://www.drugrehabtreatment.com/parents-advice-to-others.html.

If you suspect or know of someone who is addicted to drugs, please let us know through this space. Let us spread the awareness.

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