It seems like the world is consumed with illegal drug use. However, one of the most significant factors that lead to illicit drug use is prescription drug abuse and misuse. Prescription drug addiction impacts approximately 40 million people nationwide. But, how does a helpful drug cause this big of a problem?
We can answer that question in Atlanta Recovery Place and so many more. Our expert medical care is designed to support clients with Substance use disorders and behavioral concerns surrounding prescription drug abuse.
What Prescription Drugs are Most Often Abused?
In the United States, there are a number of prescription drugs that are abused frequently. Three categories of prescription medications are so potentially addictive that medical professionals keep a close eye on prescriptions, stores, and use. These three categories include pain medications, mood stabilizers, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder medication. These drugs are vastly different and impact their users in a variety of ways, while all hold the distinction of being addictive.
Pain medications are the top, most commonly abused prescription drug. These medications are known as Opioids and opiates and are addictive because of how they impact the brain and body. Opioids and opiates create an imbalance in the brain. They cause a euphoric high but affect how the brain processes the drug, creating an excess and need state that leads to addiction.
Another commonly abused prescription medication in the United States is the drugs used for mood stabilizers. While these drugs are designed to balance mood, they can cause potentially dangerous imbalances when abused.
Lastly, stimulants used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy are also commonly abused. Addiction to these amphetamines is hazardous, and overdoses can be fatal.
Statistics of Prescription Drug Use in the United States
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, their misuse of prescription prescription drugs research report indicates that approximately 15,000 people a year die in overdoses involving prescription opioids. Benzodiazepines and antidepressants are engaged in an additional nearly 18,000 overdose deaths in 2020. These Prescription medications designed to support individuals with health needs are creating new problems.
The 2020 national survey on drug use and health indicates that approximately 40 million people ages 12 and older misuse some prescription drugs. This number includes prescription psychotherapeutics, stimulants, tranquilizers and sedatives, benzodiazepines, and pain relievers. More alarming is the number of high school students who report misusing prescription drugs in the past year. For example, 4.4% of 12th graders said they misused a prescription drug last year. Students’ most commonly reported misused drugs are amphetamines, Ridellan, Adderall, sedatives, tranquilizers, narcotics, OxyContin, and Vicodin.
Why is Prescription Drug Use Common in the United States?
To prevent prescription medication abuse, physicians, patients, and pharmacists must work together to create a healthcare team. This is a challenge because each individual often has different requirements and is located in a separate space.
Physicians must be cautious about the medication they are prescribing and aware of the patient’s needs. In addition, the patient must strictly follow prescription guidelines and not deviate or misuse their prescription. Finally, pharmacists must work to ensure that clients are not abusing the system, taking too much medication, or shopping for doctors.
Because of this challenge, prescription drug abuse is a common problem in the United States. To reduce this problem, doctors have worked to develop safer medications, more closely monitor prescriptions through monitoring programs, and develop safer and more healthy treatment protocols.
How to Find Prescription Drug Rehab Programs in Georgia
Finding the best prescription drug rehabs in Georgia means looking for evidence-based treatment individually designed to support a client’s mental, physical, and emotional health. The ideal recovery program will help clients and their families struggling with substance abuse and The problematic behaviors accompanying it.
At Atlanta Recovery Place, our clients work with medical professionals to address holistic healing of their physical and mental health. Our Atlanta outpatient programs are designed for clients struggling with substance abuse and dual diagnosis disorders, like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. In addressing these concerns, our clients can receive a more comprehensive treatment that promotes their health and recovery.
Through specialized care programs, individual therapy sessions, support groups, and comprehensive care, our clients work through a structured routine to address day-to-day stressors that inhibit recovery using traditional therapy models and skill development.
Call Atlanta Recovery Place today to learn more about our partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient treatment programs in Atlanta, GA.
