Prescription drug abuse occurs when a person takes someone else’s prescribed medications or they take their own but not as directed by their doctor. (For more on this, check out Prescription Drugs – What’s the Big Deal?)

James White approached me to write a guest post about the prescription drug abuse problem, which he shares below. James is a freelance writer, photographer and part-time content creator for 12 Keys Recovery. To learn more about James and his work, follow him on Twitter @JGtheSavage or send him an email at jgwhitecavage@gmail.com.

Is the Prescription Drug Abuse Problem Now an Epidemic? by James White

For generations, Americans were told to “Say No to Drugs!”

At the same time, many were saying “yes” to prescription medications. These drugs, perfectly legal with a doctor’s signature, were deemed safe. Much of the time, prescription medication is safe—when used as directed.

However, within recent years Americans are realizing not only that prescription drugs can be as dangerous as out and out illegal drugs; many citizens are already struggling with addiction.

Now we are faced with a prescription drug addiction epidemic that few saw coming. A helpful video infographic about this issue was shared by 12 Keys Recovery via their blog and linked below (it takes a while to load). It’s recommended viewing for those looking for an introduction to the problem.

Video by 12 Keys Rehab

 

America Is Too “Medicated” for Its Own Good

The United States accounts for just 5% of the world’s population. Did you know that despite this, we also make up 75% of the world’s prescription drug users (and abusers)? Think about that for a moment. For every four bottles of prescribed medication on earth, three of those bottles are being given to an American citizen.

According to the 12 Keys Infographic, over 52 million Americans over the age of 12 will have abused prescription drugs at least one time in their lives!

In 2010, enough painkillers were prescribed to medicate every adult in the country every four hours for a month.

It is beyond questionable; it is a serious problem that many are beginning to see as a bigger threat to Americans than street drugs.

Prescription Drugs Americans Are Abusing and How They Get Them

According to the video infographic, there are three kinds of prescription drugs that are typically abused. Far and away are painkillers, which in 2010 accounted for 5.1 million cases of drug abuse alone. Persons are also known to use tranquilizers and stimulants.

Where are substance abusers getting their drugs? Many abusers get the prescription pills from family and friends. Only one doctor prescribes the drugs much of the time, however, they have no control over how their patients are using the drugs and no idea how securely the prescription items are being managed.

As addictive as many prescription drugs are and how easily they are abused, this lack of accountability and monitoring has long contributed to the growing prescription drug abuse problem.

Getting Help for Prescription Drug Addiction

People often underestimate how easy it is to become addicted to legally prescribed drugs. Because medical professionals prescribe those drugs, some Americans naively assume that makes them safe and impossible to abuse. This simply isn’t true.

If you or someone you know has fallen victim to prescription drug addiction, it’s not too late to get help. It’s a good idea to do research and ask questions about prescription drugs, their side effects and signs of addiction. If necessary, you should consider treatment through a recovery center.

Don’t be afraid to get help. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. Just because prescription drugs can be obtained legally does not make them any less dangerous if abused.

This video Infographic provides a great deal of information about the reality of prescription drug abuse in America. This is a conversation that needs to happen because too many people are “self-medicating” irresponsibly and putting their lives at risk.

Use prescription drugs as prescribed and keep them secure, lest a family member or friend abuse them. Do not share your medication with anyone else. A combination of education and vigilance when dealing with the reality of prescription drug abuse can help put an end to the ongoing epidemic.