For those struggling with physical or mental health concerns, exposure to prescription drugs is usually common. However, once ongoing exposure has been experienced, where the initial supportive effects of such pain killers or antidepressants wear off, exposure is known to heighten.
Of course, through recommended usage, prescription drugs are safe, are medically backed and are necessary for some individuals. For short-term use, prescription drugs can offer pain relief, management through mental health issues and overall greater wellbeing. However, through their positive reinforcements, prescription drugs are misused, are relied upon, and are even abused by individuals lacking health support.
On a global scale, prescription drug abuse is an issue. Countries like America have experienced an ongoing battle, where the aim to reduce the desirability of such exposure is falling short.
Even here in the UK, many individuals do overly rely on prescription drugs, sometimes unknowingly, abusing their supportive assets. This is however the moment that prescription drugs can become a danger, rather than an aid.
Here’s some insight into ‘is prescription drug abuse on the rise?’, along with how exposure has already caused significant issues in society. If you’re struggling, please read on for support and guidance when surrounding prescription drug rehab services, available here at Asana Lodge.
Global misuse of prescription drugs
At face value, prescription drugs are viewed as harmless. After all, they are prescribed by credible medical professionals, who want the best for our health and quality of life.
However, it is important to remember that prescription drugs are prescribed on a personal basis, are in place to either suppress or manage physical or psychological illness and are also recommended for short-term use.
For some individuals, the intentions of exposure to prescription medications are innocent. Yet, through ongoing exposure, deviating from dosage guidelines, an involuntarily prescription drug addiction can develop.
For others, prescription drug abuse is the aim, with the desirability to avoid the harder, more expensive illegal substances. This breakdown alone shows how versatile such drugs are, and how their adoption rates can be very different.
Yet, whether through unintentional misuse, or intentional abuse, prescription drug exposure has increased at a significant rate on a global scale over recent years. As we’ve highlighted higher up, in America, prescription drug abuse is a real problem, which is causing concern for the heightened exposure of such drugs here in the UK.
Is prescription drug abuse on the rise?
‘Is prescription drug abuse on the rise?’ is a common question that is circulating, especially surrounding UK consumption. Realistically, exposure to prescription drugs is high, especially as mental health worries are increasing throughout our societies.
Prescription drug abuse statistics and research shows how exposure to the likes of antidepressants, including benzodiazepine, and the use of opioid drugs are all rising, in relation to greater accessibility, the need for further mental health support and the increase in life pressures.
In tandem with this, the lack of education surrounding the damages of ongoing prescription drug consumption is a contributing factor, as many individuals are unaware of their dependencies.
To answer, ‘is prescription drug abuse on the rise?’, yes, research does suggest its incline, mainly down to the overuse of such drugs, lack of awareness around their long-term effects, and the mental health crisis we’re also experiencing.
Signs and symptoms of prescription drug abuse
If you’re consuming prescription drugs, it is important that you are aware of the signs and symptoms of such abuse. Right now, you may be following dosage guidelines. However, it is easy to see how exposure can increase, down to the limited immediate effects of prescription drugs. With this in mind, it’s encouraged to increase your awareness, to help spot the signs and symptoms of prescription drug abuse.
Common signs and symptoms of prescription drug abuse include:
- Overusing prescription drugs
- Asking for repeat prescriptions in advance
- Heightened health concerns, such as high blood pressure, mental health issues, irritability, drowsiness and irregular heartbeat
- Withdrawal symptoms in between doses
- A change in mood
- Irrational thinking
- The inability to go by without exposure to prescription drugs
Signs and symptoms can deviate significantly, all depending on the type of prescription drug which has been abused, personal responses, and the degree of dependence that has developed.
It is however important to take action if you are misusing prescription drugs, whether through unknowingly misusing them, through developing an involuntary dependence, or through intentional misuse, as ongoing abuse can be dangerous.
The dangers of prescription drug abuse
Is prescription drug abuse on the rise? It unfortunately is, which is carrying concern, as there are many dangers linked to drug abuse of any sort. While prescription medications are perceived as less harmful, in comparison to illicit drugs, they are in fact extremely harmless if abused.
Prescription drugs are intended for short-term use, as a management tool in between potential treatment services, for those with physical or psychological pain. In the short-term, positive effects can be experienced. Yet long-term heightened usage can result in an addiction, in a dual diagnosis, in aggravated health issues, and in a significantly reduced quality of life.
Some prescription drugs are more addictive than others, which is also the case for toxicity levels. However, the most commonly misused forms, including antidepressants and opioids are addictive, are dangerous and are only fit for medical recommendations.
Overcoming an addiction via prescription drug rehab
If you are struggling through the abuse of prescription drugs, it’s time to consider professional support. Prescription drug help and treatment services are available, to meet your needs and degree of dependence.
From a prescription drug detox to psychological and social support, there are a range of treatment services accessible, to provide addiction recovery capabilities.
Without considering the dangers of prescription drugs, dependence can easily materialise and may even lead to even further substance abuse. With this in mind, we urge you to increase your awareness of the signs and symptoms of such abuse, along with reaching out for support in the event of misuse.
We at Asana Lodge offer support and treatment through prescription drug abuse, in a confidential and private manner. Detox, recover and develop healthy coping strategies to combat either intentional or unintentional prescription drug abuse.
Unfortunately, prescription drug abuse is on the rise, just like the abuse of illegal drugs. Yet, you can break away from this adoption by accepting professional support.
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