Prescription Drug Addiction
Prescription drug addiction is a growing cause for concern in the U.S.. Prescription drug addiction is not unlike drug or alcohol addiction with the exception that it is prescribed and often needed. The problem is that prescription drugs are highly addictive and some individuals, who began using prescription drugs for medical reason become physically dependant.
There are of course those individuals who abuse prescription drugs for the "high" it gives them. A common drug choice for these individuals is Oxycontin. Some of the most commonly abused prescription drugs are Loritab, Valium, Oxycontin, Vicodin, Percocet, Xanax and Methadone.
Prescription Drug Addiction Prevention
The best way to avoid a problem with prescription drug addiction is to use medications safely. The following are some simple suggestions:
- Always follow medication directions carefully.
- Don't increase or decrease doses without talking to 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 medication and don't share yours.
There will always be a group of people who become addicted to prescription drugs. For them, the best possible outcome is a quick realization of the problem and enrollment in an appropriate treatment facility. Unfortunately, use of prescription drugs can lead to huge consequences. For some, they can lead to harder drugs, involvement with the legal system and health problems.
