There is a common misconception that abusing prescription medications is safer than abusing illegal street drugs because they are often prescribed by a physician. This is one hundred percent false!
Prescription drug abuse is defined as taking a medication that isn’t prescribed in the manner which you are using it. (Unfortunately, today there are many doctors that are prescribing meds as per the patient’s request so this definition does not always apply. It may be more accurate to say that it’s taking a medication which wasn’t prescribed or shouldn’t be prescribed in the manner which you are using it). This includes taking a prescribed medication in dosages not instructed or using the medication to treat conditions it wasn’t meant to treat. Examples can be taking higher doses than prescribed of OxyContin to better combat pain or taking Adderall to lose weight rather than treat attention deficit disorders.
Prescription drugs pose a triple threat – they are powerful, relatively simple to get, and legal. In the last 10 years, prescription drug abuse has become the most prevalent form of drug addiction in countries such as Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Many prescription medications and street drugs are composed of the same active ingredients and act in the body the same way – the only difference is that prescription drugs are closely monitored while in production and street drugs are not. One of the most common ways a prescription drug addiction starts is by taking a medication that has been legitimately prescribed by a doctor.
If this describes you, you’re not alone. Prescription drug addiction affects many people throughout the world. If you or someone you love is concerned about the use of prescription medications, seek help today. Those that are truly committed to recovery have an opportunity to build their life anew.
To learn more about addiction to prescription medications, click here.
