Prescription Drug Abuse

Prescription drug abuse is a lesser-known problem that is continues to ceaselessly expand. While most people take medications for the intended use, many are not. Not only does this lead to major health issues, but those who are in need of prescription meds are cut short from the abusers. Medications are easily accessible and in vast quantities- the perfect recipe for addicts. Prescription drug abuse is a growing issue leading to addiction and overdose; doctors should be better trained before prescribing medications and patients should have more thorough processes before obtaining their requested amount.

Misuse of prescription medications eludes the sight of most Americans and has for dozens of years. The consumption of pharmaceutical drugs dates back to 1933, when US military used amphetamines during World War II, (DEA). Use increased after the war by every day citizens. Before drug regulations, it was seen as harmless behavior. Since the 1930s, prescription drug abuse has only spiraled upwards and for the wrong reasons, “Participants reported nonmedical use of prescription drugs to change mood, to facilitate activity, and to monitor the intake of other substances,” (Silva np). Small doses lead to larger doses, often followed by use of more flagrant substances such as cocaine and heroin. The statistics are ghastly, “46% of children under age 18 (34.4 million) live in a household where someone 18 or older is smoking, drinking excessively, misusing prescription drugs or using illegal drugs,” (CASA Colombia). This is an extreme crisis, and it’s not one without consequences. People directly affected include children with substance abusing parents, parents with troubled teens, families, hospital workers, and doctors who ...

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... process that must be altered. Therefore, patients must go through more thorough processes before obtaining their requested amount of narcotics. The key is communication between the doctor and patient on the severity of the need for medication- a second doctor may help limit patient’s doses and keep their wellbeing a priority.

Regulation in the doctor’s office is the genesis of solving the massive prescription drug issue in America. With structure, communication, and a relationship between the patient and doctor, doses can be monitored and only prescribed when necessary. In response to this, numbers in crime, overdose, death, and violence will show an immediate decline. Prescription drug abuse a problem in society that continues to progress; the solution is an increase in doctors’ training and more thorough processes before patients can acquire medications.