Prescription drug abuse is not safe in any form. Unfortunately, myths and facts about prescription drug abuse keep users confused. There is no safe method of being high or using pills to cope with stress. Taking prescription medications for reasons other than what they were prescribed for or do not belong to you is dangerous. It’s time to stop clinging to myths and discover the facts about prescription drug abuse.
What Are Prescription Drugs?
Prescription drugs treat chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, and various mental health issues. There are three categories of prescription drugs most commonly abused today. While prescription drugs are highly effective in treating specific conditions, they can be dangerous when misused. Therefore, separating the myths and facts about prescription drug abuse is essential. In addition, accidental drug addiction is a high probability because of the drug tolerance that can develop.
Prescription Drugs Most Widely Abused
Myths and facts about prescription drug abuse are so confusing that people carry many false beliefs. Prescription drugs are not a safer alternative to using other illicit substances. Availability and thoughts that it is safe to take other people’s medications cause many to misuse prescription drugs. Having the facts and a clear-cut knowledge of prescription drugs can allow people to understand the link between misuse and addiction.
- Opioid medications are widely available and commonly abused. Understand the myths and facts about prescription drug abuse if you are prescribed or are using Percocet, Lortab, OxyContin, or morphine.
- Prescription stimulants bring their myths and facts about prescription drug abuse to the table. In addition, they have an energizing effect that makes users believe they are doing fine and life is good. Ritalin, Adderall, and Concerta are commonly prescribed.
- Benzodiazepines and hypnotics or sedative and tranquilizing medications can have an intoxicating effect. Unfortunately, the myths and facts about prescription drug abuse can fool those without the correct information. Xanax, Valium, Ativan, and Klonopin are the most commonly prescribed in this drug class.
The Myth of Prescription Medications Being Safer to Abuse than Other Drugs
There are myths and facts about prescription drug abuse that remain a question in the minds of those who take prescription drugs. The confusion lies in the idea that, since these drugs are prescribed by a doctor, they are safe. So keeping with the fact that there is a little bit of truth in many myths, it’s a good idea to investigate and know the facts when abuse is the consideration.
Myth #1: Prescription medications are safer to abuse than other illicit substances.
A generally accepted belief among college-aged teens and young adults is that it is safer to take prescription drugs than street drugs. However, prescription medications misused are dangerous and possibly deadly, increasing the chance of becoming addicted by five times. Likewise, taking prescription drugs for non-medical reasons is dangerous and could be fatal. Therefore, one must point to this as a myth, with no factual basis whatsoever.
Myth #2: Prescription Drug Addiction Has No Harmful Side Effects
Myths often arise from a bit of truth mixed with lots of untruths. Misconceptions of the harmful side effects can fool users into believing there are minimal consequences for misusing these drugs. Prescription drugs alter the brain’s chemistry and build tolerance in the body. The dosage often has to increase to bring the same effects with long-term use. When the users stop taking the drugs, they begin to experience withdrawal symptoms, causing discomfort. Such withdrawal symptoms can lead to relapse, necessitating professional treatment services.
Myth #3: Prescription drugs are easy to quit.
Tolerance is a fact with long-term prescription drug use. The body builds a physically and emotionally dependent tolerance for the drugs. Withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and unpleasant, causing more drug use to stop them. Some withdrawal symptoms can be deadly. It’s not so easy to quit.
Myth #4: Misusing and sharing prescription medications is legal.
Those believing it is okay to take a friend’s pain medication or anti-anxiety pills are confused about prescription drug abuse. College students are habitual sharers and think nothing of helping out a fellow student. These prescription medications are controlled substances, and taking them is illegal if they are not prescribed to you. Giving a friend your prescription medication puts them at risk.
Myth #5: Everyone does it.
It’s no big deal, everyone does it. Thinking prescription drug abuse is the norm can be dangerous. The facts might be that many people believe that everyone is doing it, and drug addiction statistics are high. However, this justification is dangerous. Prescription drug misuse and addiction are dangerous and can be deadly. Also, age does not appear to be a factor in knowing the facts and believing the myths.
Learn the Facts about Prescription Drug Abuse in Knoxville, TN
Find help in Tennessee to bust those long-believed myths and grasp the facts about prescription drug abuse with Tennessee Valley Recovery. Our expert treatment team can address your needs and tell you the truth about prescription drug addiction. We are happy to advise there is treatment available for prescription drug abuse and our options are diverse and well-proven. In other words, contact us now to learn the facts.