The Growing Issue of Prescription Drug Abuse

Prescription drug abuse is one of the most common forms of drug abuse and stays well ahead of illegal drugs such as ecstasy, methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine etc. The most abused of these prescription drugs include opioids also called pain relievers, Dilaudid (hydromophone), Oxycontin, Hydrocodone etc. They also include nervous system depressants such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates, Xanax and valium etc. Abuse of this nature can be quite a challenge because there is this need to balance what a patient requires legitimately as well as overuse of his or her prescription drugs.

Prescription Drug Cocktails
One of the most common cocktails used by abusers contains a mixture of benzodiazepines and opiods which often includes Xanax and Oxycontin. This type of cocktail has rightfully been termed as a deadly combination since the opiods can seriously affect the respiratory system. The effects of this so called deadly cocktail incudes bronchospasm, vomit, pulmonary edema and aspiration. In cases where abusers die of using this cocktail it is mostly caused by respiratory failure.

The benzodiazepines used in this cocktail also negatively affect a person’s respiratory system by directly inhibiting it’s neurotransmitters that control all respiratory functions. By mixing and abusing these prescription drugs they are in fact gambling with their lives. However even though both these prescription drugs used separately have their legitimate uses and benefits the growing problem associated with people mixing these drugs have begun to outweigh its potential benefits.

How abusers react?
While most prescription drug abusers will never own up to their abuse there are also those that justify it as being part of their treatment. Even though it may be true that many abusers start out as legitimate users but once they get a taste of these cocktails and the highs they receive from abuse they no longer remain legitimate users of these drugs. Prescription drug abuse can kill and does kill many people each year both in America and abroad which is one reason why it should be taken seriously and treatment should be sought as soon as possible.

Prescription drug rehab the only solution
While the government as well as many private entities have and continue to spend millions of dollars into preventing and taking legal action against drug related crimes including prescription drug abuse there are little funds left over for recovery programs. The effect of this lack of concentration on rehab has resulted in less than 5% of people who are able to get effective solutions to their problems.  This has left hundreds and thousands of people who languish and often die of their consistent prescription drug abuse.

If you notice people within your family or community who are purchasing more prescription drugs over the counter than they should chances are that they are abusing it. Some people also purchase extra prescription drugs so that they can sell it to abusers who don’t have a legitimate prescription for the drugs they are abusing. You can save their lives by reporting them to a local rehab center or even reporting their activity and your suspicion to their family.