5 Reasons for Prescription Drug Abuse

Prescription drug abuse happens when prescribed medication is used for anything other than its intended purpose. When someone abuses any drugs, this can change the chemical make-up in their brains. Below, we will discuss some prescription drug facts that may surprise you.

Why Do People Abuse Prescription Drugs?

1. To Feel Good or Get High

Prescription drugs are commonly prescribed by physicians to help patients relieve any pain they’re feeling after surgery. However, prescription drugs such as painkillers block any pain signals from reaching your brain, so that only pleasure signals are received by the brain.

One prescription drug abuse fact that you need to know is that it is easier to get these kinds of drugs compared to “street drugs”. People often resort to prescription drugs because it gives them the same feeling of euphoria they could get from illicit substances.

2. To Relax or Ease Tension

Prescription drugs are given to help people have a better quality of life, especially if they are experiencing excruciating pain. However, many people make it a point to ask their doctors for drugs if they feel even a little discomfort such as mild back pain or headaches. Often, people will even take advantage of another person’s prescription in order to self-medicate or relieve their own stress. 

It may seem that there is no harm done when you share even just a tiny pill with someone. However, people should know that this is one of the major reasons for prescription drug abuse.  If someone takes a drug without a doctor’s supervision, they can easily become addicted.

3. To Sustain an Addiction and Prevent Withdrawal

Why is prescription drug abuse so dangerous, you ask? Becoming addicted to prescription drugs can happen without you even noticing. People who take such medications will not see any problems until they stop taking it and start to experience withdrawal. Another prescription drug abuse fact that you should know is that withdrawal from prescription drugs can be dangerous and deadly.

This is why prescription drugs must be taken under the professional guidance of a doctor. Your doctor will tell you everything that you need to know about the particular medication, including its potential side effects and symptoms of withdrawal. You shouldn’t be afraid to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

4. To Be Socially Accepted by Their Peers

This is another one of the reasons for prescription drug abuse. When you are surrounded by people who are doing drugs, there is a possibility that you will be peer-pressured to do the same.

Some people feel the need to do such activities to feel like they belong. It is not unusual, especially for teens, to be influenced by the people they hang out with. However, they may be unaware of the dangers that prescription drug abuse entails. That’s why it is important to make sure you or your teen are well-informed about the risks and consequences of drug abuse.

5. To Try to Hone Academic or Work Performance

You might be thinking about what prescription drugs are most commonly abused and why. Stimulants like Adderall or Vyvanse are some of the most commonly abused drugs because of their ability to increase focus and alertness. Many people use these drugs to help improve their performance in school or work. However, they can be incredibly addictive.

As mentioned in this article, prescription drug abuse often goes unnoticed. The most commonly used prescription drugs include opioids, CNS depressants, and stimulants. Each of these prescription drugs is prescribed depending on your medical condition. However, people tend to misuse these drugs in the hopes of achieving a state of euphoria, relaxation, increased alertness, or simply social acceptance.

Many tend to look at prescription drug abuse as something that is common and not that big of a deal. However, that is the biggest misconception. Prescription drug abuse can be as dangerous as “street drugs”, if not more deadly.  If you or someone you know is suffering from prescription drug abuse, don’t be afraid to ask for help at Haven House Recovery Center, a Christ-based drug rehab around Nashville. You don’t have to fight your addiction alone! We have professional staff to help you throughout the process. Contact us now!