Essay on Prescription Drug Abuse - 1318 Words

Prescription drug abuse has become increasingly prevalent among teens in the county. There has been an increase in the abuse of prescription drugs for a number of reasons. Some individuals who misuse prescription drugs believe they are safer than other illicit drugs because they are prescribed by a healthcare professional and dispensed by a pharmacist. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has classified this prescription drug abuse as an epidemic. More and more teens are becoming addicted to these substances and the epidemic is only growing. Prescription drug abuse by teens has been rapidly increasing over the last five years. According to nationally projectable survey by The Partnership at Drugfree.org and MetLife†¦show more content†¦This is not true as many long and short term health issues will arise in an individual who abuses prescription drugs. The effect a drug has on one’s body is based off the type of drug it is. Opioid painkillers such as OxyCo tin and Vicodin, central nervous system depressants such as Valium and Ativan, and stimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall, all cause different health problems. Opioids can cause choking, changes in mood, interruptions in menstrual cycle, infertility, decreased cognitive function and slowed breathing. Stimulants can cause paranoia, loss of appetite, and in high doses, an increase in body temperature and an abnormal heartbeat. Depressants, can cause memory problems, lead to seizures and slows normal brain function. Taking any of these drugs can result in addiction. Even though a doctor prescribes prescription drugs, they will still have major health impacts on a person abusing them. There is a very high chance that an individual how abuses prescription drugs will become addicted. Addiction is defined as a persistent compulsive use of a substance known by the user to be harmful. There are many reasons why a person would become addicted to a substance. Family history of addiction, traumatic experiences in childhood and mental disorders such as depression or anxiety can all increase ones vulnerability to becoming an addict. When a person takes prescriptionShow MoreRelatedPrescription Drug Abuse And Prescription Drugs Essay1413 Words   |  6 PagesMost people are familiar with prescription medications; almost everyone has taken them at one point or another during their lifetime. Not all prescription drugs are addicting, but a large number of them are. Prescription drug abuse is a disease that has become a major problem in the United States, which affects over six-million Americans. Prescription drug abuse not only affects the individual, but can additionally have far-reaching consequences that affect family, personal health, employmentRead MoreDrugs And Prescription Drug Abuse2022 Words   |  9 Pagesoverview of the increased use of pharmaceuticals and prescription drug abuse in the US. The section continues with the relationship between illicit drugs a nd prescriptions, adolescents’ abuse, personal and social factors; then concludes with the theoretical approach. The Social-Ecological Theory, will be applied in researching prescription drug abuse, possible influences and protective factors in adolescents in relation to prescription drug abuse, to develop focused intervention strategies and educationalRead MorePrescription Drug Abuse2011 Words   |  9 PagesCultivating a Solution for the Youth of America Prescription drug abuse has become an epidemic across the United States, destroying and affecting many lives of young Americans. Why do so many people abuse prescription drugs? Many think that prescription drugs are safer and less addictive than â€Å"street drugs.† After all, these are drugs that moms, dads, and even kid brothers and sisters use. 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A teenage drug abuser might not have to look any further than his or her parent’s medicine chest to ‘score.’ Prescription drug abuse by teens is on the rise. Also, teens are looking to prescription drugsRead MoreThe Problem Of Prescription Drug Abuse1461 Words   |  6 Pages(Quotes about Drug Abuse). This quote by Wayne Gerald Trotman describes how heartbreaking it is to contemplate on exactly how many people’s lives have been adversely impacted as a result of abuse. Child abuse, animal abuse, and sexual abuse are all major types of abuse; however, prescription drug abuse is a problem that is drastically skyrocketing in today’s society. While other addictions and abuses are equally signif icant, it is imperative that people put a stop to prescription drug abuse using two