Prescription Drug Abuse Essay

prescription medicine medicate ill- hide has had a strong hold on American society for decades and it does not appear to be diminishing. date whatsoever medicines swallow decreased in popularity over the years others have maturationd. For instance, there has been a hang glide in the popularity of Ecstasy and other Club drugs and an increase in marijuana part over the recent few years. While society has taken steps in the right direction by sustenance treatment programs for addicts and drug ab social function pr tied(p)tion programs overmuch more must be done to cut back the current trend of substance ab enjoyment in our culture. For now, we go forth be arguing upon the ab go for of ethical drug(prenominal) drug drugs.What Are Prescription doses?Prescription drugs atomic number 18 medications regulated by the U.S. government. These medications are helpful in treating a variety of health conditions and are plainly available when ordained by a doctor or other hea lthcare professional. The government restricts these medications because they whitethorn be harmful if they are not taken major powery or if they are combined with other medications (Firshein, 2005).Doctors and other healthcare professionals are lavishlyly trained and see at selecting the best medication to use for a current condition. The type of medication and the dosage prescribed is carefully determined. Its very important that the doctors directions are followed exactly to help treat the condition for which it was prescribed and to pip sure the medication doesnt cause un lossed effects (Kalb, 2001). twain recent events of deaths occurred due drug abuse. Tabloid star Anna Nicole Smiths son Daniel died of a drug over drug, an inquest jury in the Bahamas ruled on March 31st 2008 (Reuters). Australian actor Heath legers death was an accident ca utilise by the abuse of prescription drug drug medications, the New York City medical testers side said on February 6th 2008 (Reuter s).Taking prescription drugs in a focus that hasnt been recommended by a doctor can be more dangerous than hoi polloi think. In fact, its drug abuse. Moreover, its just as illegal as taking roadway drugs. entirely some pack experiment with prescription drugs because they think they will help them have more fun, dope off weight, fit in, and even use up more effectively.Prescription drugs can be easier to get than street drugs Family members or friends could have a prescription. that prescription drugs are also sometimes sold on the street like other illegal drugs. A 2006 depicted object Survey on medicate Use and health showed that among all youths olden 12 to 17, 6% had tried prescription drugs for recreational use.Most patients take medical specialty responsibly, but approximately 9 million Americans utilise prescription drugs for non-medical purposes in 1999, according to the National base on drug smear (NIDA). nary(prenominal)-medical purposes embroil misusing prescription drugs for recreation and for psychic effectsto get proud, to have fun, to get a lift, or to calm polish.Experts stress that prescription drug abuse isnt about bad drugs or even bad flock. It involves a complex web of factors, including the power of addiction, misperceptions about drug abuse, and the difficulty both patients and doctors have discussing the topic.Why? Some people think that prescription drugs are safer and slight addictive than street drugs. After all, these are drugs that moms, dads, and even kid brothers and sisters use. But prescription drugs are only safe for the individuals who actually have prescriptions for them. Thats because a doctor has examined these people and prescribed the right dose of medication for a specific medical condition. The doctor has also told them exactly how they should take the medicine, including things to avoid maculation taking the drug such as drinking alcohol, smoking, or taking other medications. They also are aw are of potentially dangerous side effects and can monitor patients closely for these.Other people try prescription drugs because they think theyre not doing anything illegal because these drugs are prescribed by doctors. But taking drugs without a prescription or sharing a prescription drug with friends is actually gaolbreak the law. Some people mistakenly think that prescription drugs are more powerful because you need a prescription for them. But its possible to abuse or become addicted to over-the-counter (OTC) medications, too. For example, dextromethorphan (DXM) is build in some OTC cough medicines. When someone takes the numeral of teaspoons or tablets that are recommended, everything is fine. But high doses can cause problems with the senses (especially vision and hearing) and can lead to confusion, stomach pain, numbness, and even hallucinations.A Look In The previous(prenominal)According to the 1999 National Household Survey on dose corrupt, in 1998, an estimated 1. 6 million Americans employ prescription pain relievers non-medically for the first time. This represents a significant increase since the 1980s, when there were generally fewer than 500,000 first-time users per year.From 1990 to 1998, the number of new users of pain relievers increased by 181 percent the number of individuals who initiated tranquilizer use increased by 132 percent the number of new sedative users increased by 90 percent and the number of people initiating stimulant use increased by 165 percent. In total, in 1999, an estimated 4 million people almost 2 percent of the population aged 12 and sometime(a) were using certain prescription drugs non-medically pain relievers (2.6 million users), sedatives and tranquilizers (1.3 million users), and stimulants (0.9 million users) (oas.samhsa.gov).More RecentlyData from the 2003 National Survey on medicate Use and Health (NSDUH) indicate that 4.0 percent of youth ages 12 to 17 account non-medical use of prescription medic ations in the quondam(prenominal) month. Rates of abuse were highest among the 18-25 age group (6.0 percent). Among the youngest group surveyed, ages 12-13, a high percentage reported using psychotherapeutics (1.8 percent) than marijuana (1.0 percent)The National Institute on Drug Abuse Monitoring the Future survey of 8th, 10th, and twelfth graders put in that the non-medical use of opioids, tranquilizers, sedatives/barbiturates, and upper berths was unchanged between 2003 and 2004. Specifically, the survey found that 5.0 percent of 12th graders reported using OxyContin without a prescription in the past year, and 9.3 percent reported using Vicodin, making Vicodin one of the most commonly do by licit drugs in this population.Past year, non-medical use of tranquilizers (e.g., Valium, Xanax) in 2004 was 2.5 percent for 8th graders, 5.1 percent for 10th graders, and 7.3 percent for 12th graders. Also within the past year, 6.5 percent of 12th graders used sedatives/ barbiturates (e .g., Amytal, Nembutal) non-medically, and 10.0 percent used amphetamines (e.g., Ritalin, Benzedrine) (oas.samhsa.gov).Which Drugs Are Abused?The most commonly used prescription drugs fall into three classes OpioidsExamples oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), and meperidine (Demerol)medical uses Opioids are used to treat pain or relieve coughs or diarrhea.How they work Opioids attach to opioid receptors in the central nervous system (the brain and the spinal anesthesia cord), preventing the brain from receiving pain messages. Central Nervous System (CNS) DepressantsExamples pentobarbital sodium (Nembutal), diazepam (Valium), and alprazolam (Xanax)Medical uses CNS depressants are used to treat anxiety, tension, panic attacks, and sleep disorders.How they work CNS depressants slow down brain activity by increasing the activity of a neurotransmitter called GABA. The extend is a drowsy or calming effect. StimulantsExamplesmethylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine/dextroamphet amine (Adderall)Medical uses Stimulants can be used to treat narcolepsy andADHD.How they work Stimulants increase brain activity, resulting in greater alertness, attention, and energy (Vranken, 2007).What Are the Dangers of Abusing Medications?Whether theyre using street drugs or medications, drug maltreaters often have trouble at school, at home, with friends, or with the law. The likelihood that someone will bill a annoyance, be a victim of a crime,or have an accident is higher when that mortal is abusing drugs no matter whetherthose drugs aremedications or street drugs.Like all drug abuse, using prescription drugs for the wrong reasons has serious risks for a soulfulnesss health. This risk is higher when prescription drugs like opioids are taken with other substances like alcohol, antihistamines, and CNS depressants.CNS depressants have risks, too. Abruptly stopping or step-down them too quickly can lead to seizures. Taking CNS depressants with other medications, such as pr escription painkillers, some over-the-counter cold and allergy medications, or alcohol can slow a persons heartbeat and breathing and even kill.Abusing stimulants (like some ADHD drugs) may cause heart stroke or seizures. These risks are increased when stimulants are mixed with other medicines even OTC ones like certain cold medicines. Taking too much of a stimulant can lead a person to develop a dangerously high body temperature or an irregular heartbeat.Taking several high doses over a short period of time may make a drug abuser aggressive or paranoid. Although stimulant abuse might not lead to physical dependence and withdrawal, the feelings these drugs obtain people can cause them to use the drugs more and more often so they become a habit thats hard to break.The dangers of prescription drug abuse can be made even worse if people take drugs in a way they arent supposed to. Ritalin may seem harmless because its prescribed even for little kids with ADHD. But when a person sno rts or injects Ritalin, it can be serious. And because there can bemany variations of the same medication, the dose of medication and how abundant it stays in the body can vary. The person who doesnt have a prescription might not really know which one he or she has.Probably the most common result of prescription drug abuse is addiction. People who abuse medications can become addicted just as easily as if they were taking street drugs. The reason many drugs have to be prescribed by a doctor is because some of them are quite addictive. Thats one of the reasonsmost doctors wont usually renew a prescription unless they see the patient they want to examine the patient to make sure he or she isnt getting addicted. (Vranken, 2007)Extent of Use Data from the National Drug Intelligence Centers 2006 National Drug Threat Survey (NDTS) reveal that 78.8% of state and local law enforcement agencies reported either high or moderate availability of illegally diverted pharmaceuticals (National D rug Intelligence Center, 2006).According to the 2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), approximately 49.8 million Americans aged 12 or older reported non-medical use of any psychotherapeutic at some point in their lifetimes, representing 20.3% of the population aged 12 or older.Nearly 7 million Americans aged 12 or older reported current (past month) use of psychotherapeutic drugs for non-medical purposes, representing 2.8% of the population. In this report, psychotherapeutics include any prescription-type pain reliever, tranquilizer, stimulant, or sedative but do not include over-the-counter drugs (Substance Abuse and Mental Health go Administration, 2007)Percent of U.S. Household Population 12 and Older inform Past Month Non-Medical Use of Psychotherapeutics, 2006, by Age12-17 18-25 26 or older 12 or older Non-medical use of psychother.3.3%6.4%2.2%2.8%Pain relievers2.74.91.52.1OxyContin0.10.40.10.1Tranquilizers0.52.00.50.7Stimulants0.61.30.30.5Sedatives0.20.20.20.2 Additional data from the 2006 NSDUH show that 2.2 million people, aged 12 or older, initiated nonmedical use of prescription pain relievers within the past year.Each year, the Monitoring the Future (MTF) study asks drug use and related questions of 8th, 10th, and 12th graders nationwide. MTF provides usage estimates for alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs, and substances that are only legally available by prescription. The study includes data for the non-medical use of amphetamines, stimulants including Ritalin, and sedatives (barbiturates) including methaqualone, tranquilizers, the narcotic pain relievers Vicodin and OxyContin, as well as GHB, Ketamine, and Rohypnol, which is not legal for prescription in the United States. Survey respondents were asked to exclude from their responses any use of prescription drugs that occurred under medical watchfulness (National Institute on Drug Abuse and University of Michigan, 2007).MTF data for 2007 show that lifetime prevalence rates for amphet amine use without a doctors orders were 6.5% for 8th graders, 11.1% for 10th graders, and 11.4% for 12th graders.Percent of Students Reporting life Non-Medical Use of Psychotherapeutics, 2007, by rack upDrug 8th Grade 10th Grade 12th Grade Amphetamines6.5%11.1%11.4%Sedativesn/an/a9.3Methaqualonen/an/a1.0Tranquilizers3.97.49.5 more or less 9.6% of 12th graders surveyed in 2007 reported annual (past year) use of Vicodin without a doctors orders.Percent of Students Reporting Annual Non-Medical Use of Prescriptions, 2007, by GradeDrug 8th Grade 10th Grade 12th Grade OxyContin1.8%3.9%5.2%Vicodin2.77.29.6Amphetamines4.28.07.5Ritalin2.12.83.8Sedativesn/an/a6.2Methaqualonen/an/a0.5Tranquilizers2.45.36.2According to data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, approximately 21.3% of State prisoners and 16.9% of Federal prisoners surveyed in 2004 indicated that they abused depressants at some point in their lives. For this report, depressants were defined to include barbiturates, tranquilize rs and Quaalude (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2006)Tips for Taking Prescription MedicationWhat if a doctor prescribed a medication for you and youre worried about becoming addicted? If youre taking the medicine the way your doctor told you to, you can relax Doctors know how much medication to prescribe so that its just enough for you. In the correct amount, the drug will relieve your symptoms without making you addicted.If a doctor prescribes a pain medication, stimulant, or CNS depressant, follow the directions exactly. here(predicate) are some other ways to protect yourselfKeep all doctors appointments. Your doctor will want you to visit often so he or she can monitor how well the medication is workings for you and adjust the dose or change the medication as needed. Some medications must be halt or changed after a while so that the person doesnt become addicted.Make a note of the effects the drug has on your body and emotions, especially in the first few old age as your body gets used to it. Tell your doctor about these.Keep any information your apothecary haps you about any drugs or activities you should steer clear of while taking your prescription. Reread it often to move yourself of what you should avoid. If the information is too long or complicated, ask a parent or your pharmacist to give you the highlights.Dont increase or decrease the dose of your medication without checking with your doctors office first no matter how youre feeling.Finally, never use someone elses prescription, and dont allow a friend to use yours. Not only are you putting your friend at risk, but you could suffer, too Pharmacists wont refill a prescription if a medication has been used up before it should be. And if youre found giving medication to someone else, its considered a crime and you could find yourself in court (Vranken, 2007). In conclusion, abusing prescription drugs can affect your relationship with your family. It can hit problems at school and with your fut ure education. You may end up losing some longtime friendships or be forced to give up some of your favorite activities. Moreover, you could get into some serious problems with the law. Listed above are so many reasons not to abuse what can be of good use. As Albus Dumbledore said in book one of Harry Potter, use it well.BibliographyDavid Friedman. Drugs, Violence and Economics. Retrieved on May 2 2008, from http//www.daviddfriedman.com/ faculty member/drugs_and_violence/Drugs_and_violence.htmlKalb, Claudia. (2001). Playing With Painkillers. Newsweek. 45-47Firshein, Moyers. (2005). Our Current Policy PBS Home. PBS.Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2007). Results from the 2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health National Findings (Office of Applied Studies, NSDUH Series H-32, DHHS Publication No. SMA 07-4293). Rockville, MD. Retrieved on May 2 2008, from http//www.oas.samhsa.gov/nsduh/2k6nsduh/2k6Results.cfmMichele Van Vranken, MD, November 2007. Retrieve d on May 2 2008 from The Nemours Foundation. http//www.kidshealth.org/PageManager.jsp?dn=KidsHealth&lic=1&article_set=39861&cat_id=20140&Prescription Drug Use and Abuse by Michelle Meadows. Retrieved on May 2, 2008 from http//www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2001/501_drug.html. U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationNational Drug Intelligence Center, National Drug Threat Assessment 2007, October 2006Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Results from the 2006 NationalSurvey on Drug Use and Health National Findings, 2007National Institute on Drug Abuse and University of Michigan, 2007 Monitoring the Future Drug Data Tables, December 2007Bureau of Justice Statistics, Drug Use and Dependence, State and Federal Prisoners, 2004, 2004, October 2006