The Problem Of Prescription Drug Abuse And Treating The Addiction
According to a 2006 National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC) survey almost one quarter of the population in the U.S. reported non-medical use of prescription drugs at some point in their lifetime. The 2009 National Prescription Drug Threat Assessment states that unintentional overdose deaths resulting from prescription drugs has by more than 100% from 2001 to 2005. And according to SAMHSA, prescription drug abuse is the second most common form of recreational drug use in America second only to marijuana. Given these statistics, it is clear that abuse of prescription drugs in the United States is a serious subject. For our neighbors to the north in Canada, the story is much the same with accidental deaths from opiod use having doubled from 1991 to 2004.
For many people, the problem of prescription drug abuse is ignored as opposed to illicit drug abuse. After all, the substance of abuse was purchased in a pharmacy and prescribed by a doctor. It’s not like the drugs were purchased on the street from a drug dealer. So where’s the problem? This type of mentality is contributing to the problem, prevents treatment of the abuse, and if perpetuated can have drastic results.
According to the 2009 threat assessment, the diversion of opioid pain relievers has increased the most during this time period: hydrocodone (vicodin) 118%, morphine 111%, and methadone 109%. Other prescription drugs commonly diverted for abuse include Oxycontin which has a street name “80″; or “Hillbilly heroin”, Ritalin (Ritz or Vitamin R), and Xanax (zanies). Overall, one could say the diversion of prescription drugs from their intended use has increased drastically from 2003 to 2007.
The diversion of these drugs occurs through various forms. Mostly they are received through legal means with over 80% of people reporting that the drugs were originally obtained from a doctor through a prescription. More than half of abusers reporting that they received the drugs from a friend or relative for free. Other illegal ways that prescription drugs are obtained for illicit use include theft from a family member or friend (5.2%), Internet purchases (0.5%), and purchase from a dealer (4.1%).
“Doctor shopping” is another common practice amongst addicts use to obtain prescription drugs. This occurs when addicts visit several doctors for the same “ailment” to receive multiple valid prescriptions. Amongst teens, the practice of “pharming” can have drastic results when they grab a handful of prescription pills out of a bowl and ingest some or all of them.
The methods for treating prescription drug addiction are very similar to treating abuse or addiction to street drugs or alcohol. Once the problem is identified, then it is up to the counselors at the treatment facility to uncover the underlying reasons for the addict’s need to numb themselves.
If you or someone you love is abusing or addicted to prescription drugs, it’s very important to contact a trained addiction counselor to talk about your options for treatment. Many times an intervention may need to be staged because of the level of denial and hiding going on. Many treatment programs have interventionists on staff or can recommend someone they are familiar with. The bottom line is that overcoming addiction to prescription drugs can be accomplished through willingness, openess, and honesty amongst both the addict and their loved ones.
Once in treatment most people abusing or addicted to prescription drugs will need to be closely monitored to ensure that their vital signs don’t degrade. After a few days in treatment the chemicals of abuse and addiction will have had some time to metabolise, and the person in treatment will start to think more clearly. It is now that the real work of treatment and recovery can begin.
Want to find out more about treatment for prescription drug abuse, then visit our site to learn more about our residential treatment options and to talk to an addiction specializst about the best treatment options for you or a loved one.
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