subject: The Dangers Associated With Continuous Use Of Prescription Medications [print this page] Prescription drug abuse has achieved what several are making reference to as an epidemic. More than seven million Americans are utilizing prescription drugs non medically, which in turn figures to virtually 3% of the US total population. Prescription medications may include pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants and also sedative drugs. The greatest class of neglect occurs with pain killers, which five million People in america are generally abusing. The most typical drugs abused tend to be OxyContin and Vicodin. Tranquilizers are classified as the 2nd most mistreated, with two million abusers, and then stimulant drugs (1 million) and then sedative drugs at 400,000.
Teens would be the most precarious abusers of prescription drugs, generally as a result of accessibility from medicine cabinets, family members and acquaintances. Internet access to acquire prescription drugs is often a problematic areas because of easy accessibility and very few restrictions on delivery. In the year 2007 almost 10% of twelfth grade seniors had experimented with Vicodin and five% had experimented with OxyContin. Among those young people utilizing prescription medications, additional drug use, for example pot and alcoholic beverages, is likewise widespread.
Probably the most generally abused varieties of prescription drugs are opioid, prescription drugs such as OxyContin along with Vicodin, depressants and anti anxiety prescription medication like Valium and Xanax plus stimulating drugs for instance Adderal and Ritalin for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Every single class of meds has their own particular dangers related to major utilization.
Opioids are addictive, just as is any opiate. Whenever OxyContin or Vicodin are crushed and then snorted or injected, the absorption rate is drastically increased compared to when the compounds are consumed, and thus improving the potential risk of habit along with the hazard associated with overdose, respiratory system depression as well as dying. A different threat, freshly acknowledged and very widespread, is the switching from Oxycontin to heroin to provide a cost saving measure. Heroin is far less pricey that Oxycontin and gives the similar high. While abusers turn out to be hooked on Oxycontin and start to inject it, the switch to a less expensive substance, heroin, is well rationalized and warranted. Whenever injecting harmful drugs, the risk of HIV is elevated as a result of needle-sharing, thus incorporating a further danger for users.
Any tranquilizer, for example Xanax, Valium, or any kind of benzodiazepine, is especially addictive as well as easily obtainable through physicians. Their therapeutic benefit is unquestionable however their possibility of misuse is considerable. Tranquilizers are primarily prescribed as a remedy for anxiety and insomnia, however their lure is situated in taking a more substantial medication dosage and adding alcohol or other prescription drugs. The mixture associated with tranquilizers and alcohol is particularly unsafe, as inhibitions are diminished to a point of absolute shortage of care. Overdose because of breathing problems is quite possible. Of higher concern is the difficulty experienced when trying to stop using tranquilizers. Extreme withdrawal indications consist of dissociation amongst body and mind, bafflement, disorientation as well as seizures. Halting consumption without healthcare guidance is hazardous and may lead to death.
Stimulant drugs like Adderal and Ritalin, generally approved for ADHD, are each amphetamine based drug treatments. They are generally approved for children and they are hard to quit. The depression that arises following cessation of amphetamines can be quite real due to a decline in dopamine levels in the brain. Addicts abuse "legal" amphetamines by snorting them or even injecting them. As soon as this procedure starts, the abuse may well switch to cocaine or methamphetamine to obtain a greater or even lengthier euphoric sensation. As with any stimulant utilization, the abuser will suffer from a dangerously higher heart rate, substantial body temperature and even heart issues.
