Things You Should Know About Prescription Drug Misuse

Prescription drugs misuse is one of the major concerns in the US. The US government is worried as misuse of prescription drugs can lead to drug addiction and even death due to the drug overdose.

Some facts about prescription drug misuse

Prescription drugs are the third commonly misused substances in the US.

• Every day, more than 100 people die from opioid drugs and 37,814 people every year. Many of these deaths are due to the overdose of prescription opioid medications.

• Teens take prescription drugs due to many reasons, such as to treat pain, to get high, or because they think it will help them with school work. Teenagers get these drugs from the people they know i.e., family members and friends, and sometimes from strangers. 

• Over 80% of older patients take at least one prescription medication on a daily basis, with more than 50% taking more than five medications or supplements daily.

Prescription drugs including opioid pain relievers, stimulants, and depressants, can cause physical dependence that could lead to addiction. These drugs affect the human reward system, making it difficult for an individual to feel good without the drug. The misuse of prescription drugs can also lead to intense cravings, making it difficult for an individual to stop taking it. An individual may experience withdrawal symptoms too when drug use is stopped.

If you don’t want your kids or other family members to get addicted to prescription drugs, you may need to follow some things:

• Stop sharing your prescription medicines with others. Consult with a doctor and let him prescribe medicine to the patient.

• Stop taking medicines without consulting with your healthcare provider. 

• Buy your medicines using free prescription discount cards. These cards offer discount up to 70-85% on your medicines. 

These free Rx Discount Cards are easily available at various websites or you can avail them from your healthcare provider.