Prescription drug abuse rates are on the rise in the United States. Learning how to prevent prescription drug abuse can help you to maintain your life without the interruption of prescription drug abuse. But what is prescription drug abuse? What are commonly abused prescriptions? How can you get help if you are abusing prescriptions? Knowing the answers to these questions can help someone gain clarity and receive needed professional help to end the abuse. 

What is Prescription Drug Abuse?

Any use of a prescribed medication that is not expressly written in the directions of the prescription is considered to be prescription drug abuse. This can include taking a friend’s prescription medication, taking more than prescribed, and using the medication in a way in which the medication is not intended to be taken, such as snorting or injecting it. Understanding what it is can help someone learn how to prevent prescription drug abuse. Identifying these behaviors in loved ones can help encourage the the person abusing prescription drugs to seek drug addiction treatment.

Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs

While almost any prescription drug can be abused, there are more commonly abused ones. These prescriptions tend to produce a euphoric, or high, feeling in the users, and this effect can cause users to begin abusing the drugs in order to achieve that desired effect. This can lead to addiction and far more severe consequences.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs known as Central Nervous System (CNS) suppressants. These drugs are only legally available through prescription, and are used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. The CNS suppressants essentially calm the nervous system into a sedated state leaving users feeling calm.  

Opioids

Opioids are used in the treatment of acute and chronic pain. However, they cause those who use them to feel high, and this feeling can make users seek the drug out more and more. This can cause overdose and even death. 

Stimulants

These drugs are usually used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Used as prescribed, they can help focus and functionality. However, when they are abused or taken by those who don’t need them, these drugs can produce a spike in energy. This can lead someone using them to feel as though they can accomplish things they wouldn’t be able to normally throughout their day. 

Preventing Prescription Drug Abuse

There are many different steps someone can use to learn how to prevent prescription drug abuse. However, here are just a few of these steps and precautions that can be implemented.

Know and Understand Your Medication

The best step you can take on how to prevent prescription drug abuse is to know and understand the medication you are taking. In other words, learn the potential side effects, and follow the prescription directions to safely introduce the medicine into your body.

Legally Obtain Your Medication

Use a pharmacy you know and trust to get your medications. After all, ordering medications through an unknown website can leave you with counterfeit medications that can be harmful.

Be Open and Honest With Your Doctor

When taking prescription drugs, keep your doctor up to date on how the medication is affecting you. This can help them properly regulate your dosage. Also, if a medication isn’t helping, always speak to the doctor before deciding to increase your dosage. 

Secure Your Medication

Another step you can take on how to prevent prescription drug abuse is securing your medications. This can keep them from getting into the hands of someone who may abuse the medication. 

Dispose of Unused or Unneeded Medication Properly

Don’t just throw your unneeded prescription medication out or flush it down the toilet. In fact, see if your local pharmacy has a “give back” program, where unneeded medication can be returned.

Treating Prescription Drug Abuse

If you find yourself struggling with prescription drug abuse, or if a loved one is struggling, there is help. Often, prescription drug abuse can lead to dependence and addiction. In such cases, detox is needed in order to get the toxins out of the body. After all, this removes physical dependency so the person can prevent prescription drug abuse. This is best done in an inpatient setting, starting with a medically supervised detox program.

Get Help for Prescription Drug Abuse in South Florida

If you or a loved one struggle with abusing prescription drugs, there is help. There is hope for ending the abuse and addiction. Ambrosia provides superior care to those who need help. Furthermore, our team of professionals can guide you along the path to recovery. Contact us today, and begin a new chapter of life.