Persons are generally aware of the undeniable fact that illicit drugs are harmful and their abuse often prove fatal. Nevertheless, in point of fact, more Americans abuse legally or illegally obtained pharmaceuticals and off-the-counter medications than street drugs. As per the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), “Drug overdose is the leading reason for accidental death within the U.S., with 47,055 lethal drug overdoses in 2023. Opioid addiction is driving this epidemic, with 18,893 overdose deaths related to prescription pain relievers, and 10,574 overdose deaths related to heroin in 2023.”
Clearly, in the US, succumbing to prescription medicines is more common than heroin, probably essentially the most abused illegal drug, and the nation’s “battle against drugs” has taken a recent hue with its addition.
Many imagine that the pharmaceutical industry is essentially answerable for the prevailing addiction to drugs. For years, these corporations have been manufacturing and pushing their drugs, mostly opioids and central nervous system (CNS) depressants, into the markets without adequate warnings. The Organic Consumers Association (OCA) believes that the prescription drug abuse epidemic is attributable to the next reasons:
- Disregarding the chemical standpoint that OxyContin is almost an identical to heroin in several ways. Initially it might be inhaled or administered by injections, making a high more lethal than that brought on by heroin.
- Changes in pain prescription drug guidelines resulting in opioids becoming the preferred option for lower back and other pain conditions.
- Promoting long-term use of opioids within the absence of concrete evidence so far as safety is anxious.
- Misinforming medical practitioners, doctors and patients in regards to the addictive properties of opioids.
The reason why prescription drug abuse is dangerous
There are several reasons attributable to which pharmaceuticals have gained notoriety as essentially the most abused drugs, which include:
- Easy availability: All one needs is a legitimate medical prescription to legally procure pharmaceuticals. This could lead on to potential abuse if a patient decides to exceed the prescribed dose or go on a health care provider shopping spree.
- Abuse results in addiction: Many are unaware that pharmaceuticals, comparable to opioids, are mainly pharmaceutical-grade heroin legally produced in a laboratory. They’re undoubtedly as addictive as their counterparts being illegally sold on the streets.
- Web is an excellent market: Typing “no prescription online pharmacy” can throw up a plethora of internet sites where anyone can buy any form of prescription drug with out a doctor’s prescription.
- Online purchases might be fake: It is kind of possible that prescription medicine purchased online could be counterfeit, or composed of toxic ingredients which could prove lethal.
- People think they’re secure: Most individuals place blind faith of their doctor without checking the results or reporting in the event that they start becoming dependent. Alternatively, they could even exceed their prescribed dose without informing the doctor. This builds tolerance in them resulting in substance abuse and addiction.
- Prescribed drugs are sedative: Sedation is a standard final result of such drugs and might temporarily impair an individual’s senses leaving him vulnerable to accidents.
- Risk of blending drugs is high: Those hooked on pharmaceuticals often are inclined to mix them with alcohol or other drugs, leading to a lethal concoction.
Assistance is only a call away
It’s unlucky that many individuals consider pharmaceuticals to be secure, and disrespect the directions given by the doctor. But the reality is that any type of misuse or overdose is dangerous. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in addition to other leading agencies issue guidelines every so often to manage overprescription of painkillers by doctors. As per the most recent guidelines, doctors or medical practitioners must prescribe opioids provided that alternative medication or behavioral therapies fail to alleviate the symptoms.