Why is Prescription Drug Abuse On the Rise

Prescription drug abuse is currently on the rise in America and is a severe problem. So why is this happening? And what can be done about it? 

In this blog post, we will explore why prescription drug abuse is on the rise and becoming a big problem in our country. We will also discuss some potential solutions to this epidemic.

Why is Prescription Drug Abuse on the Rise?

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more people die from prescription drug overdoses yearly than from heroin and cocaine combined. There are several reasons why prescription drug abuse is on the rise in America.

Increased Availability

First, the availability of these drugs has increased. In the past, people who wanted to abuse prescription drugs had to get them from friends or family members who had legitimate prescriptions. 

However, it is effortless to buy these drugs online or from dealers. The internet has allowed people to buy pills without even leaving their homes.

Higher Tolerance Levels

Another reason abuse of prescription drugs is becoming more common is that people are becoming more tolerant of taking these drugs. Taking prescription drugs was seen as a last resort, which should only be done if necessary. 

However, now many people see taking these drugs as simply a way to relieve pain or anxiety. This change in attitude has led to more people taking these drugs and also led to more people abusing them.

Changes in Prescription Practices

Another factor contributing to the rise in prescription drug abuse is the changes that have been made to how these drugs are prescribed. 

In the past, doctors were much more likely to prescribe opioids for pain relief. However, now there are new guidelines that recommend against prescribing opioids to most patients. 

This change has made it more difficult for people who need these drugs to get them. On the other hand, it has also made it easier for people who want to abuse these drugs to get their hands on them.

The Opioid Crisis

One of the biggest reasons why prescription drug use is currently rising is the opioid crisis. The opioid crisis is a term used to describe the increase in the use and abuse of opioids. 

Opioids are a type of pain medication that is very potent and can be very addictive. In recent years, opioid use has skyrocketed, leading to a corresponding increase in cases of opioid abuse.

What Can Be Done About Prescription Drug Abuse?

Several things can be done to address the abuse of prescription drugs and encourage substance abuse prevention.

Increase Education and Awareness

One of the most essential things that can be done is to increase education and awareness about prescription drug abuse. 

Many people do not realize how serious this problem is, and they do not know how to spot the signs of drug misuse. 

Increasing education and awareness can help make people more aware of the risks of abusing these drugs.

Improve Prescription Practices

Another thing that can be done to address prescription drug abuse is to improve prescription practices. 

As we mentioned earlier, one of the reasons why this problem is on the rise is because of the changes that have been made to the way that these drugs are prescribed. 

If we can change methods for prescription drug use, we can make it more difficult for people to abuse them.

Increase Access to Treatment

Another critical step that can be taken to address prescription drug abuse is to increase access to treatment. 

Many people who want to abuse these drugs do not have access to the treatment that they need. 

By increasing access to treatment, we can help get these people the help they need and prevent them from abusing these drugs.

There are many reasons why prescription drug abuse cases are rising in America. By increasing education and awareness, improving prescription practices, and increasing access to treatment, we can help to address this problem.

How to Treat Prescription Drug Abuse

If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction to prescription drugs, there is help available. Many treatment options can be effective in treating this problem. 

If you are unsure where to turn, you can start by talking to your doctor or mental health professional. 

They will help you find the resources and support you need to recover from substance abuse.

Some standard treatment options for substance abuse are:

• Behavioral therapy: This type of therapy provides help changing how you think about and use drugs.
• Support groups: Support groups can provide social support and help you stay motivated in your recovery.
• Medication: Many different types of medication can be used to treat prescription drug abuse. These medications can help to reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms, and prevent relapse.

If you or someone you know is struggling with prescription drug abuse, don’t hesitate to seek help. 

Relevance Offers Treatment for Abuse of Prescription Drugs in New Jersey

If you or someone you know is struggling with prescription drug abuse and addiction, Relevance Treatment Centers can help. 

We offer a variety of recovery pathways, such as natural recovery, medication-assisted recovery, and family recovery, that are designed to meet the unique needs of each individual. We also offer a wide range of support services, such as teen programs and family support groups, to help you on your road to recovery. To learn more about our outpatient drug rehab in New Jersey, contact us today.