Prescription Drug Abuse Stats Are Upsetting
Drug overdoses continue to climb to unthinkable levels in the United States.
38,329 died from drug overdose in 2010, but the culprit was not street drugs like meth or heroin, as you might think.
The substances were given out willingly by doctors.
Prescription drug abuse stats are upsetting as more and more die from prescription drug abuse every year.
Officials are at a loss on what to do about it.
On Painkillers It is heavy painkillers like Oxycontin and Percocet, derived from opium, that appear to be doing the greatest damage.
In fact, three-fourths of every drug-related death involves prescription opioids--oftentimes mixed with other substances.
And no, most of the deaths were not suicides.
74 percent were accidental.
That means that the users were not aware that the substances they were ingesting would send them knocking on Death's door.
Surprisingly, surveys show that most people believe prescription drug abuse is safe because they are using medicine, substances prescribed by doctors.
It is a lethal misconception.
Other users mix painkillers with other substances like alcohol or other meds.
This, too, often ends up gruesome.
The Most Addictive Substances Prescription opioids are among the most addictive substances known to man.
If you recall the famous opium poppy from Eastern history, you know how true this is.
Opioids consume the user, spitting him out and leaving nothing but a shell of a man.
The soul eternally longs for the rush caused by the drugs.
Opioids block pain receptors in the brain, enabling the user to feel relief from pain and mental anguish.
They also flood the brain with dopamine, a neurotransmitter that monitors pleasure.
This is what causes a rush of euphoria.
The day after prescription drug abuse, however, the user finds himself with a bad case of the blues as his dopamine and serotonin levels have been depleted.
Not to mention the number of vitamins that have been burned up.
In order to feel good again, he thinks he needs the drugs.
And so begins the process all over again.
Addiction only grows from there, taking over a person's life until it is in shambles.
Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse There are several signs of prescription drug use which include: Drug use is ruining relationships with your parents, siblings, friends, lovers, children and even work colleagues.
You may end up losing your job from slipshod behavior at work and broken commitments.
You take dangerous risks while high, such as driving under the influence or using dirty needles.
Users often get into legal trouble, as well, being arrested for disorderly conduct and stealing to support their habits.
Life begins to revolve around drugs.
Personal hygiene and important commitments may fall by the wayside while you seek out and have your next fix.
You may abandon activities you used to love, such as horseback riding or sports.
The truth is, prescription drug abuse is just as dangerous as illicit drug use.
It takes a lot of courage to confront the fact that you might have a problem with addiction.
But for those that do, they can live a permanently sober life free from a prescription problem.
38,329 died from drug overdose in 2010, but the culprit was not street drugs like meth or heroin, as you might think.
The substances were given out willingly by doctors.
Prescription drug abuse stats are upsetting as more and more die from prescription drug abuse every year.
Officials are at a loss on what to do about it.
On Painkillers It is heavy painkillers like Oxycontin and Percocet, derived from opium, that appear to be doing the greatest damage.
In fact, three-fourths of every drug-related death involves prescription opioids--oftentimes mixed with other substances.
And no, most of the deaths were not suicides.
74 percent were accidental.
That means that the users were not aware that the substances they were ingesting would send them knocking on Death's door.
Surprisingly, surveys show that most people believe prescription drug abuse is safe because they are using medicine, substances prescribed by doctors.
It is a lethal misconception.
Other users mix painkillers with other substances like alcohol or other meds.
This, too, often ends up gruesome.
The Most Addictive Substances Prescription opioids are among the most addictive substances known to man.
If you recall the famous opium poppy from Eastern history, you know how true this is.
Opioids consume the user, spitting him out and leaving nothing but a shell of a man.
The soul eternally longs for the rush caused by the drugs.
Opioids block pain receptors in the brain, enabling the user to feel relief from pain and mental anguish.
They also flood the brain with dopamine, a neurotransmitter that monitors pleasure.
This is what causes a rush of euphoria.
The day after prescription drug abuse, however, the user finds himself with a bad case of the blues as his dopamine and serotonin levels have been depleted.
Not to mention the number of vitamins that have been burned up.
In order to feel good again, he thinks he needs the drugs.
And so begins the process all over again.
Addiction only grows from there, taking over a person's life until it is in shambles.
Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse There are several signs of prescription drug use which include: Drug use is ruining relationships with your parents, siblings, friends, lovers, children and even work colleagues.
You may end up losing your job from slipshod behavior at work and broken commitments.
You take dangerous risks while high, such as driving under the influence or using dirty needles.
Users often get into legal trouble, as well, being arrested for disorderly conduct and stealing to support their habits.
Life begins to revolve around drugs.
Personal hygiene and important commitments may fall by the wayside while you seek out and have your next fix.
You may abandon activities you used to love, such as horseback riding or sports.
The truth is, prescription drug abuse is just as dangerous as illicit drug use.
It takes a lot of courage to confront the fact that you might have a problem with addiction.
But for those that do, they can live a permanently sober life free from a prescription problem.
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