CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ADDICTION

Prescription drug abuse is a serious and growing problem in the United States. The National Study on Drug Use and Health reported that an estimated 28.6 million Americans age 12 and over abused controlled substance medication drugs. 

Let’s take a closer look at the current prescription drug epidemic in the United States:

• In the US alone, an estimated 54 million people have used prescription drugs for nonmedical reasons in their lifetime.

• Most abused prescription drugs fall under four categories, based on the number of people who misuse the drug annually:

  • Painkillers (opioids) – 3.3 million users

  • Tranquilizers – 2 million users

  • Stimulants – 1.7 million users

  • Sedatives – 0.5 million users​

• Prescription Opioid drugs contribute to 40 percent of all US overdose deaths.

• 135 people die each day from overdoses involving prescription opioids every year.

• Prescription overdose rates are highest among people ages 25 to 54 years.

If you or a loved one uses prescription painkillers or other habit-forming medications, knowing the signs of abuse can help prevent addiction. Some of these include:

• Becoming preoccupied with getting and using the drug

• Needing a supply of the drug on hand at all times

• Needing more of the drug to produce the same level of pain relief or symptom control

• Engaging in dangerous activities, like driving, while under the influence of the drug

• Participating in illegal behaviors, such as stealing, to get more of the drug

• Changes in physical appearance, especially in the area of personal hygiene

• Doctor shopping to get new prescriptions for their drug of choice(s)

• Stealing drugs from relatives or friends or asking to use someone else’s prescription

​

If you or someone you know is struggling with a prescription or over-the-counter drug addiction, seek help. It could be the difference between a sober and healthy life and an early tragic death.