Prescription drug abuse has become an increasingly large problem among older adults, women, and teenagers.
The abuse of prescription painkillers is now ranked second in terms of prevalence of abuse. Marijuana still holds the number one slot. Data provided by the national survey on drug use and health in 2006 states that over 7 million Americans are taking these drugs for nonmedical reasons.
Unfortunately, one of the reasons cited for this increase in use the increased availability of these pills. A large majority of people surveyed stated that they get their drugs for free from people they know. The most common classes of prescription drugs abused our opiate’s, central nervous system depressants, stimulants.
The long-term use of these drugs can lead to addiction and dependence. You can expect to see tolerance, withdrawal, and affected sleeping pattern, as well as disruption of the heart.
