Dangers Of Abusing Prescription Drugs

You may be thinking how can you become addicted to something that was legally given to you. A person who takes drugs whether prescription or not above and beyond the prescribed amount is a person who abuses prescription drugs. Statistics say that there is an estimated 36 million people in the United States alone between the ages of 12 years old and older have abused prescription drugs at least one time in their lives. The most common prescription drugs often abused are Xanax, Valium, Ritalin, OxyCotin and Vicodin. These prescriptions start out being given by a doctor for an injury or treatment.

Once the prescription has run out they often finagle a second prescription from the doctor on the premise that the injury still hurts. Once these run out, they try to find other ways to get these drugs. People who are abusing prescription drugs may borrow a pill or two from a friend or family member to get by. Just because these drugs are prescription drugs it doesn’t mean that they cannot be addicting. Being addicted to these drugs can affect the way you live your life if you are not careful.

Some of the risks that can happen as a result of abusing these drugs will vary depending on what type of prescription drug they are taking. For example, if they are taking pain relievers the risks can be life threatening respiratory problems such as decreased breathing. Those who are taking depressants can become a candidate for seizures, decreased heart rate and slowed breathing. People who are abusing stimulants can run the risk of irregular heartbeat, fatal seizures and high body temperatures. These risks are real and if you are currently taking more of these drugs that prescribed by a doctor then it is time to seek help.

Abusing prescription drugs is a dangerous thing. If you suspect someone that you love of abusing these drugs then it may be time to get some information. If you are the parent then talk to their doctor about the prescription and what the dosage was. Explain that you feel that they may be abusing these pills. Make an appointment and ask their doctor to talk to them. People don’t necessarily aim to become addicted to these pills but it happens too often. That is why these pills can only be obtained by a doctor.

If you suspect a friend of abusing prescription drugs, calmly sit down and talk to them. Never accuse someone of being addicted by doing so they may become defensive and not only will you not get any answers but you could end up alienating them as well. Talk to a school guidance counselor or your parents if you suspect that a friend is abusing prescription drugs. The goal is to get them help and not lose the friendship. They will need you and they need your friendship. Tell them about the other health risks that could happen and that you will be there for them and that you will get through it together. Support is a great thing to have.