While drug abuse is often associated with specific stereotypes, the reality is that prescription drug misuse affects people from all walks of life. From young adults and teens to healthcare professionals and people with chronic pain, prescription drug abuse is a growing concern that impacts many hidden faces.
What is Prescription Drug Abuse?
Prescription drug abuse is a growing public health concern affecting millions worldwide that involves taking medications outside of their prescribed use. The most commonly abused prescription medications are opioids, stimulants, and central nervous system (CNS) depressants.
Studies show that more than 52 million individuals over the age of 12 have used prescription medications outside of their medical use. This can involve using someone else’s medication, taking a higher dose than prescribed, or using a prescription drug for recreational purposes.
Opioids
Opioids are common pain-relieving medications with a high potential for abuse and addiction. Examples of opioid prescriptions include oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine, morphine, and fentanyl.
Opioids work by interacting with opioid receptors in the brain, helping relieve pain while also producing feelings of euphoria. These effects are often what lead to misuse and, eventually, the development of physical dependence and addiction to the drug.
Stimulants
Stimulant medications, such as amphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin), and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), also carry a potential for misuse and addiction. These prescription drugs are often misused to increase energy and enhance productivity, particularly by college students and working professionals. Over time, stimulant abuse can lead to cardiovascular complications, mental health issues, and addiction.
Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants
Central nervous system (CNS) depressants, also known as sedatives and anti-anxiety medications, slow down brain activity and are often used to treat anxiety, sleep disorders, and seizures. CNS depressants include benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium), barbiturates (Phenobarbital), and sleep medications (Ambien, Lunesta).
Many individuals misuse benzodiazepines and sleep medications for their calming, sedative effects. CNS depressant abuse over time can lead to physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms, respiratory depression, and cognitive impairments.
The Causes of Prescription Drug Abuse: Who’s At Risk?
While opioids, stimulants, benzodiazepines, and sedatives serve critical medical purposes, they still have a high potential for abuse, addiction, and adverse health effects. Prescription drug abuse impacts many hidden faces, including young adults, older individuals, healthcare professionals, and those with chronic pain and mental health disorders.
Young Adults and Teens
Young people, including high school teens, college students, and young adults, are particularly vulnerable to prescription drug misuse. A study in 2010 reported that 1 in 12 high school seniors used Vicodin (hydrocodone) for non-medical purposes, and 1 in 20 abused OxyContin (oxycodone).
Youth who misuse prescription drugs often see higher rates of cigarette smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, marijuana (cannabis) use, and illicit drug use. Prescription drug abuse is highest among individuals aged 18 to 25, typically college-aged students. Young adults and teens often misuse stimulants like Adderall as cognitive enhancers to enhance academic performance or athletic performance.
Older Adults
Adults aged 65 and older face a significant risk of prescription drug misuse and addiction. Older individuals are more likely to receive multiple and long-term medications for pain, insomnia, and other chronic conditions. This accessibility to prescription drugs can make them more susceptible to increased tolerance and dependency, often resulting in both unintentional and intentional abuse.
Studies have shown that older people are also misusing stimulant medications as cognitive enhancers.
People with Chronic Pain
Individuals with chronic pain, both young and old, are commonly prescribed prescription opioid painkillers. Prolonged use of prescription opioids leads to tolerance development, requiring higher doses, which in some cases leads to abuse and addiction. Opioid addiction, also called opioid use disorder (OUD), includes the abuse of prescription and illicit opioids like heroin and synthetic fentanyl.
Healthcare Professionals
Healthcare workers such as doctors, nurses, and pharmacists have easier accessibility to prescription drugs, increasing their risk of misuse. Tiring schedules, irregular hours, and demanding responsibilities can lead healthcare professionals to misuse prescriptions to cope. They may misuse sleep CNS depressants to help them relax after a stressful day or stimulants to help them remain alert through a long shift.
Individuals with Mental Health Disorders
Individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at a higher risk of prescription drug abuse. To cope with or mitigate their symptoms, they may turn to opioids, sedatives, or stimulants. Self-medicating with prescription drugs can lead to long-term complications, including worsened mental health, addiction, and physical health consequences.
Addressing Prescription Drug Abuse and Addiction
Prescription drug addiction does not discriminate—it affects everyday individuals of all ages. Recognizing these hidden faces and who is at risk can help combat this drug crisis and ensure everyone has the resources they need.
Identifying the Signs
The signs of drug abuse and addiction can range from behavioral changes to physical and emotional symptoms. Identifying these signs can help with early intervention and ensure people get the help they need before their drug problem escalates. The most common signs and symptoms of drug addiction can include:
- Secretive behavior
- Social withdrawal
- Drowsiness
- Slurred speech
- Mood swings
- Confusion
- Failing to fulfill responsibilities
- Risky behaviors
- Neglected appearance
While many individuals who misuse prescription drugs are often highly functional, there is often a sudden change in their behaviors or demeanor.
Educating Communities
Raising awareness about the risks of prescription drug abuse is a key preventive measure, especially for teens and young adults. Many individuals may believe using prescription drugs for non-medical use is relatively safe, but that is not always the case.
Each type of prescription drug, whether it’s opioids, stimulants, or sedatives, involves its distinct side effects and risks, impacting each individual in different ways. Prescription drug education and awareness programs in schools, workplaces, and community centers can play an elemental role in combating this epidemic.
Professional Support and Drug Abuse Treatment
For those struggling with prescription drug abuse and addiction, there are several options for treatment and recovery. Drug detox and rehabilitation programs help individuals through the withdrawal process and provide tools for recovery. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a therapeutic approach used in addiction treatment to help address all forms of substance use disorders (SUDs).
If you’re struggling with substance abuse or prescription drug addiction, Coastal Detox is here for you. Reach out today.
References:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2011. Research Report Series: Prescription Drug Abuse.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2024. Opioids.
- Drug Enforcement Administration, 2020. Drug Fact Sheet: Stimulants.
- Drug Enforcement Administration, 2020. Drug Fact Sheet: Depressants.
- WebMD, 2024. Prescription Addiction: Who’s at Risk?
- Mayo Clinic, 2022. Prescription drug abuse.
- WebMD, 2024. Prescription Drug Abuse.
- Mayo Clinic, 2022. Drug addiction (substance use disorder).