The Silent Epidemic of Prescription Drug Addiction

1
The Silent Epidemic of Prescription Drug Addiction

• The Alarming Rise of Prescription Drug Dependency

2

• The Rise of Prescription Opioids
• The 1990s saw a rise in the prescription of
  opioid medications by doctors. Pharmaceutical
  companies made big promises that patients would
  not become addicted to opioid painkillers like
  OxyContin. Doctors began prescribing them at
  higher rates, which led to the start of the
  opioid epidemic. Many people who were prescribed
  opioids for pain management or injuries became
  addicted, often without realizing it.
• The Scope of the Problem
• According to the National Institute on Drug
  Abuse, more than 130 people die every day from
  opioid overdoses in the U.S. In 2017 alone,
  47,600 people died from opioid overdoses. The
  misuse of prescription opioids contributed to
  more than 70 of drug overdose deaths that year.
  These are staggering statistics that show the
  immense scale of the prescription drug addiction
  problem.

3

• Who Becomes Addicted?
• Prescription drug addiction can affect anyone,
  regardless of age, race, social class or gender.
  However, some factors that increase the risk
  include
• Family history of addiction Addiction tends to
  run in families and can be genetically linked. If
  you have close family members with a history of
  drug addiction, you are more prone to becoming
  addicted yourself.
• Chronic pain or injury People who suffer from
  long-term pain are more likely to become addicted
  to prescription painkillers, especially at high
  doses and over long periods of time.

4

• Mental health issues Those struggling with
  conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD or
  bipolar disorder have a higher chance of misusing
  prescription drugs to self-medicate.
• Trauma or abuse history Past experiences of
  physical, emotional or sexual abuse also make
  people more vulnerable to addiction. Prescription
  drugs may be used to numb painful memories and
  feelings.
• Recognizing the Signs of Addiction
• Some common signs that you or a loved one may
  have an addiction to prescription drugs include
• Strong cravings and loss of control. Feeling
  unable to limit the use of prescription drugs and
  frequently thinking about obtaining or using them.

5

• Continued use despite consequences. Continuing to
  take prescription drugs even though it causes
  problems with work, relationships, health,
  finances, or the law.
• Increased tolerance. Needing higher or more
  frequent doses of the drug to feel the desired
  effects.
• Withdrawal symptoms. Experiencing physical and
  mood symptoms when unable to take the
  prescription drug like nausea, restlessness,
  sweating, etc.
• Lying or secrecy regarding drug use. Hiding or
  lying about the amount or frequency of
  prescription drug use. Obtaining the drugs
  secretly from multiple doctors.
• Social withdrawal. Pulling away from hobbies,
  social activities and engagements as more time is
  spent devoted to taking and recovering from the
  drugs.

6

• Impaired control. Difficulty fulfilling
  responsibilities and priorities at work, school
  or home due to the effects of the drugs.
• Continued use despite physical problems.
  Experiencing health issues from prescription drug
  use like liver damage or respiratory depression
  but being unable to stop.
• Treatment for Prescription Drug Addiction
• Fortunately, through personalized treatment such
  as https//www.pacificbayrecovery.com/ people can
  overcome their addiction and get a new start on
  life. Options may include
• Medical detox. A medically supervised detox
  program helps the person safely withdraw and
  detox from prescription drugs. Medications and
  24/7 care are provided to minimize painful
  withdrawal symptoms.

7

• Inpatient or outpatient rehab. Entering a
  residential or day treatment program to address
  the underlying causes of addiction. Therapy,
  counseling, support groups and life skills
  training are provided to help establish long-term
  sobriety and recovery.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps
  change unhealthy thought and behavior patterns
  surrounding drug use. It teaches coping
  strategies to deal with triggers and cravings.
• Support groups. Joining groups like Narcotics
  Anonymous (NA) helps build a support system of
  others in recovery. Meetings provide
  accountability and help people stay committed to
  sobriety.

8

• Medications. For opioid addiction, medications
  such as buprenorphine (Suboxone) and methadone
  are sometimes used to help with cravings and
  withdrawal. They prevent relapse during recovery
  and especially in the early stages.
• Continuous monitoring. Regular drug testing and
  medication counts to provide incentive for people
  to abstain from drug use. This level of
  accountability can help dictate whether certain
  privileges are able to be reinstated.

9

• Prevention Starts with Understanding
• Educating both patients and physicians about the
  potential risks of addiction is key to preventing
  prescription drug addiction. Discussing
  medication details and monitoring the effects
  closely, especially when first beginning a
  prescription regimen or if doses are changed.
  Physicians should look for any signs of tolerance
  or dependence and make changes accordingly.
  Restricting access by securing and monitoring all
  medications also helps reduce the risk of
  addiction.
• The prescription drug addiction epidemic can be
  curtailed if issues of chronic pain, mental
  health, and patient risk factors are properly
  addressed through alternative treatments and
  addiction prevention education. With compassion
  and support, we can help lift the stigma of
  addiction and make recovery possible for all.