The Most Abused Prescription Drugs

One of America’s addiction issues comes from prescription medications, but many people don’t realize it. When most people think about drug addiction, they’re thinking about heroin, meth, and cocaine addictions. Today, more people are dying of overdoses from prescription drugs than heroin and cocaine combined. Some of the most prescribed drugs are also the most dangerous, so it’s good to know which ones they are. Beaches Recovery has a vastly experienced team of addiction treatment experts who can guide you through what prescription addictions to look out for and how to find the right treatment to recover.

The Most Prescribed Drugs

United States doctors prescribe more addictive medications like opioids than any other country. In fact, CNBC reported in 2016 stating that the United States uses an astronomical amount. The United States uses about 80 percent of the entire planet’s opioid supply. Opioids aren’t the only problem either, and here is a list of the most prescribed drugs:

• Opiates
• Opioids
• Benzodiazepines
• Stimulants

Fortunately, lawmakers have begun to take action to reduce over-prescribing encouraged by the pharmaceutical industry. However, it’s important to remember that prescription medication, when used correctly, can be very effective in treating a wide range of conditions. There is no excuse for not taking prescribed drugs. But individuals must stay vigilant and monitor how their prescription medications are affecting their bodies.

How Do People Become Addicted to the Legal, Most Prescribed Drugs?

The pharmaceutical industry is a multi-billion dollar industry in the United States. The government has been noticing the rising problem with the most prescribed drugs as well. New laws are forcing pharmaceutical companies to advertise the addictive qualities of medications. Some laws make it more difficult for patients to obtain abuse medications.

Different medications for pain, anxiety, and ADHD are all classified as narcotic medications. These medications attach to specific receptors in the brain and release pleasure chemicals. The pleasure chemicals in the brain cause the mind and body to become tolerant and dependent. Eventually, a person needs to take more of the medication to feel well, and that’s how addiction begins.

Prescription Drugs Affect Everyone

Back in the Nixon era, the War On Drugs began, and it was meant to criminalize drug users. During this time, many drug users were living in poverty, but now things are different. Many people who develop an addiction to prescription drugs are the everyday people next door. The disease of addiction doesn’t discriminate, and everyone is at risk of potentially developing a problem and finding an addiction recovery center necessary.

Many of the people who are developing an addiction in the 21st century are white and blue-collar workers. One injury can lead to prescriptions for highly addictive pain medications. People who have mental illness receive strong prescriptions for addictive medications as well. One of the primary reasons it’s hard to stop is because people have legitimate illnesses that require these prescribed medications.

Unfortunately, many people in the United States believe that there’s only one way to deal with pain or mental illness. Other countries aren’t using as many medications because there are alternatives. When receiving addiction help for different medications, you’ll learn these alternative methods. Many of these methods not only help, but they’re also much more effective in treating addiction.

Finding Support at Beaches Recovery Center

No matter what commonly abused prescription drugs you’re using or abusing; Beaches Recovery can help. We’re dedicated to teaching you how to find a new way of life without addictive medications. It will take hard work and dedication on your end, but it will be worth it to begin a new life. We offer a variety of treatment programs so clients will be able to find one that meets their specific needs. Some of our treatment programs include:

• Residential treatment
• Partial hospitalization program
• Intensive outpatient program
• Outpatient treatment
• Aftercare

One day at a time, we’ll teach you how to regain control of your life. Call 866.605.0532, or contact us online now.