Prescription Drug Addiction and Abuse:
Reaching Epidemic Proportions

Prescription Drug Addiction is a very real and common problem. It tends to be the least reported drug problem and doesn’t get the attention it deserves – despite how widespread and dangerous it is. And significantly, perscription drug addiction generally happens to people who do not have a history of other forms of drug abuse.

As a prescription drug user, you tend to become addicted unwittingly. You’ll have a legitimate medical condition and use the drug as prescribed. However with time, you’ll start increasing your dosages because the drug makes you feel better – whether it be physically or emotionally. And so the cycle begins – you need to keep taking more to get the desired effect – and soon you become dependent.

The most common prescription medications abused are benzodiazepines, i.e. tranquilizers (used mainly to treat anxiety and sleeping disorders) and painkillers. Frighteningly – prescription drugs overdose has now become the 2nd highest cause of accidental death in the U.S., behind motor vehicle deaths, and more people abuse prescription drugs than heroin, ecstasy and cocaine combined.

Despite these drugs being prescribed, making it difficult you would think to sustain their continued use, it’s easy enough to get around that. The most common method is ‘Doctor Shopping.’ Once your prescription runs out or your Doctor refuses to give you another one – just find a new Doctor.

How do you know when you’re a ‘full-blown addict?’ What are the prescription drug abuse and addiction symptoms? These Signs of Drug Addiction and this Test for Drug Addiction are reliable indicators because the signs and symptoms that apply to other drugs also apply to prescription drug addiction.

What do you do if you have a problem? Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment will be no different to any other form of treatment. Ensuring you get professional help should be your primary objective. Spend time exploring the Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment and Drug and Alcohol Rehab areas of this site. You’ll find lots of comprehensive information there to help you.

Remember – there is no shame in perscription drug abuse. If you or someone you love shows all the signs after you’ve read the symptoms and taken the tests referred to above – the sooner you get help the better. There is a wealth of information on this site and on the web to assist you in getting the knowledge you need. Then it's up to you to take the necessary action as soon as possible for what could turn out to be a life-saving decision.

P.S. Being informed on the related topic of Over the Counter Drug Abuse is probably also a good idea.