Prescription Drug Abuse Increasing Among Adolescents

The colors are lovely, the shapes delightful, their dangerous allure is magical. The results can be deadly.

They are medications that can be readily found in most medicine cabinets across America, the medications that can be life-saving when used properly by the person for whom they are prescribed. The medications that are impairing and are even killing increasing numbers of young people.

A decade-or-so ago, parents of teenagers might have been concerned about their teens pilfering from the family’s liquor cabinet or stealing beer from the refrigerator. While alcohol abuse and illegal drug abuse continue to be serious problems among teens, the number of adolescents using prescription drugs improperly has become a national problem. The 2000 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (NHSDA) tells us that 10.9 percent of 12- to 17-year-olds have reported nonmedical use of a psychotherapeutic drug at least once during their lifetime, and the Partnership for a Drug-Free America reports that one in five teens has abused a prescription pain medication, and one in five has abused prescription stimulants and tranquilizers. Further, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that every day, 2,500 youth, ages 12 to 17, abuse a prescription pain reliever for the very first time.

These medications, which are relatively easy to obtain from one of the many online pharmacies or through theft from relatives or friends, provide young people with an easily-accessible and inexpensive means of altering their mental and physical state. Abusers may experience a variety of effects from these medications, such as a heightened sense of pleasure, increased energy, drowsiness, or other effects, depending upon the drugs they have consumed. Young people who abuse prescription drugs put themselves at risk of experiencing dangerous side effects. Prescription drugs, when taken as prescribed by a physician, can effectively treat a variety of mental or physical conditions. They can, however, alter the brain’s activity and chemistry and can lead to serious debilitating or life-threatening health problems. Additionally, there is the risk of physical or psychological dependence. Read the rest of this entry »

Oxycodone Abuse Warning Signs – Save Your Friends And Loved Ones From An Addiction

At the present moment, there is a tendency of people abusing prescription drugs and it is with no doubt that Oxycodone is the most abused. This is due to the fact that this drug has a very high degree of addiction since it belongs to the opiates group. Most of the people who abuse this drug find themselves drifting in the habit unconsciously because it can also make a person dependent on it very quickly.

The story usually begins with a prescription that has been written because of physical conditions that require pain to be moderated and relieved. This drug usually gives the abuser a euphoric feeling that can be equated to being drunk.

There are many warning signs that give away a really serious Oxycodone abuse case. There are circumstantial clues that can b an indication that you or your loved one is in big trouble. It is common to see signs of depression that are incorporated with instability of emotions. This is usually more common in teens so parents have to be aware of the signs that their children exhibit.

Another sign is when they are more involved in finding new doctors all the time. This is due to the fact that this drug is only obtainable through prescription so they must change doctors in order to maintain a constant supply.

Another notable warning sign is when a loved on completely disassociates with their own feelings or even friends. Mostly, they will have a care free attitude and will care less about things that they previously cared about. It is also possible to find abuser with feelings of confusion since this is an effect of the drug when it is abused. Read the rest of this entry »

Drug Addictions and Substance Abuse – The Myths and Facts

Myth.
Drug Addiction is a bad habit, the result of moral weakness and over-indulgence.

Fact
Drug Addiction is a chronic, life-threatening condition, like hypertension, atherosclerosis and adult diabetes.

Fact.
Genetics and substance abuse – drug addiction has roots in generic susceptibility, social circumstance and personal behavior.

Fact.
Certain drugs are highly addictive, rapidly causing biochemical and structural changes in the brain. Others can be used for longer periods of time before they begin to cause inescapable cravings and compulsive use.

Myth
If an addict has enough will power, he or she can stop abusing alcohol and using drugs.

Fact.
Few people addicted to alcohol and other drugs can simply stop using them, no matter how strong their inner resolve. Most need one or more courses of structured substance abuse treatment to reduce or end their dependence on alcohol and other drugs.

Myth.
Many people relapse, so treatment obviously does not work. Read the rest of this entry »