Prescription drug abuse has become quite an unfortunate epidemic in past years and continues to grow. The reason it has been able to reach such a level is due to the fact that there are so many people with proper prescriptions who actually have a need for the use of medications such as painkillers for their chronic conditions. Sometimes it may seem like the epidemic is going to rise continually without ever reaching an end.
The Epidemic of Prescription Drug Abuse
Prescription drug abuse has become a true epidemic for various reasons. One such reason is the various methods clients use to be able to easily source the substances. Another reason is that prescription drug abuse often develops with clients who were unaware of just how easily addiction may develop when the substances are consumed incorrectly. This problem is one being seen in age groups from teenagers to seniors and men and women.
Managing Pain without the Use of Medication
We – as a society – have become all too dependent on both prescription and non-prescription medications to “fix” us for basically every ailment that exists. One major reason people reach out to medication is to manage pain. However, there are other ways to manage pain than using medication. These alternative methods can help reduce the number of prescriptions created or the number of doses clients need from their doctors to manage their chronic conditions.
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Healthy lifestyle habits (proper rest, nutrition, etc.)
- Stress management
- Distraction
- Relaxation methods
Will the Epidemic of Prescription Drug Abuse Come to an End?
Will this unfortunate epidemic ever come to an end? Hopefully, the work to get to that point will not be easy. Education is important so that from a young age, people already receive information and warnings about prescription medication abuse and addiction. Help from government sources could have a positive impact, as far as changing legislature to make prescription drug abuse more difficult, the drugs more difficult to acquire and harsher punishments for breakers of the law who have been abusing these drugs (such as in driving under the influence cases).
These drugs have useful purposes so that cannot be forgotten. Education must start about supplementing therapy and therapeutic methods such as prescription medication with non-drug pain management methods. Education about what prescription drug abuse is, how it develops and what the warning signs are can also assist in the fight against this terrible epidemic.
If you or someone you love is having problems with alcohol abuse, chemical dependency or addiction, recovery from a drug abuse program, like the one at Destination Hope, may be the answer. Remember that recovery from addiction and alcohol abuse treatment means learning how to cope with intensely emotional situations, and identifying when you need help and support. Treatment for addiction relapse, counseling, and aftercare can help you do this, so please call us today. Destination Hope is a full-service addiction and health treatment facility in Florida for men and women who suffer from substance abuse and behavioral health issues.
