Every year, billions of people worldwide use prescription drugs to recover or heal from several conditions, diseases, injuries, and more. In fact, nearly half of all American adults have used a prescription drug in the past month – including 18% of children and more than 85% of elders. 

Without these drugs, billions of people would suffer and even die due to their misfortunes – something no one should experience. Prescription drugs are only beneficial to those that use them properly, under the right circumstances, and under the supervision of a doctor. 

Unfortunately, millions of Americans misuse, abuse, and even become addicted to prescription drugs. Studies suggest over 16 million people above the age of 12 abuse prescription drugs every year in the United States alone, and two million of those people are addicted to them. 

Are Prescription Drugs Dangerous?

Prescription drugs are a bit of a catch-22. On the one hand, they do a lot of good for a lot of people. On the other hand, they can do more harm than good if not used properly. That’s why it’s always important to only use prescription drugs when directed by a doctor or health professional. 

For the most part, prescription drugs are only dangerous to those that use them in ways they weren’t intended to be used for, use them in quantities that exceed what’s safe and effective, or use them without a medical need. Unfortunately, that’s the case for far too many.

Since prescription drugs impact your brain, central nervous system, and the rest of your body in similar ways as illegal drugs, they can have similar effects when abused. Not only will this put your health at risk, but you could form a dependence and addiction to the prescription drug. 

Which Prescription Drugs Are Most Often Abused?

Prescription drugs are frequently abused, largely due to how available they are to so many people. Teens are known to steal prescription drugs from their parents, while adults will pretty much do whatever they can to get their hands on what they want – either way, it’s a problem.

Let’s take a look at some of the most commonly abused prescription drugs today:

• Opioids – these prescription drugs are generally used to provide pain relief by attaching to opioid receptors in the central nervous system. Some examples include oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), and meperidine (Demerol). 
• CNS Depressants – these prescription drugs are generally used to treat anxiety and stress by increasing GABA activity in the brain. Some examples include phenobarbital (Luminal), diazepam (Valium), and alprazolam (Xanax).
• Stimulants – these prescription drugs are generally used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy by increasing cognitive activity (alertness, energy, etc.). Some examples include methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall).

People abuse prescription drugs for a variety of reasons, but the most common include the euphoric reaction they get, to relax, increase performance, prevent withdrawal symptoms, peer pressure, reduce appetite, cope with stress, and much more – all of which are dangerous. 

Is There Addiction Treatment Rehab for Prescription Drug Abuse?

In order to prevent prescription drug abuse, make sure you’re following your doctor’s directions carefully and only use medication for what it’s intended to treat. Make sure you’re getting the right medication, the right prescription, and the right dosage – otherwise, you could be at risk.

For those that have children or teenagers in the house, make sure your personal prescription drugs aren’t made available – keep them hidden and out of reach. You should also teach them the dangers of drug abuse, especially if they’re being prescribed medication by their doctor. 

If you or someone you love needs rehab for prescription drug abuse, don’t panic – help is often right around the corner and always a phone call away. With the right prescription for drug addiction treatment, you’ll receive a combination of therapy, medication, counseling, and much more. 

Prevail Recovery is a South Florida treatment center that can help you recover from prescription drug addiction.

Finding Prescription Drug Rehab Centers in Florida

Are you searching for top-rated drug rehab in Fort Lauderdale, FL? Do you need a proven and welcoming team to support you throughout your prescription drug rehab journey? If you answered ‘yes’ to either of these questions, we’re ready to help! At Prevail Recovery Center, we offer a wide range of prescription drug addiction treatment programs – all of which are aimed at helping individuals like yourself thrive through recovery. To learn more about our rehab for prescription drug abuse, don’t hesitate to contact us today!