Countless Americans have struggled with prescription drug abuse and subsequent addiction. For some, prescription drug addiction begins with a legitimate prescription that becomes physically addictive due to the length and amount of dosage. For others, the euphoria that certain prescription drugs provide provides an escape from negative self-beliefs or buried emotional pain, causing an initial psychological dependency and an eventual full-blown physical addiction as use continues.
Facts About Prescription Drug Addiction
Often overlooked or minimized as a “softer” form of chemical dependency, prescription drug addiction can involve “doctor shopping,” street purchase, and even overdose as dependency increases. Here are just a few facts about prescription drug addiction that illustrate the scope of the epidemic.
- Nearly 2.5 million Americans have used prescription drugs for purely recreational reasons
- Over 50 million people in the U.S. alone have abused prescription drugs at least once.
- 46 percent of adults have used prescription drugs in the last month
- Over 70 percent of physician, hospital and emergency room visits end in medication prescription
- Seven percent of 8th graders and 10 percent of high school seniors use amphetamines without a prescription
- According to a Columbia University research study, 84 percent of online pharmacies do not require prescriptions to order medication
- The three most popular prescription drugs for recreational use are opioids, depressants, and stimulants
- Painkillers are the most popular abused prescription drugs, with tranquilizers and stimulants closely behind
- Teenagers between the ages of 12 to 17 are more likely to abuse prescription drugs
- Those living in Western and Southeastern states tend to have a higher likelihood of becoming prescription drug dependent
- Many prescription drugs are sold on the streets or given away to friends or family
- Girls have a greater likelihood than boys of becoming addicted to prescription drugs
- The most commonly abused prescription drugs among teenagers are OxyContin and Vicodin
- Teenagers are more likely than college upperclassmen to develop a prescription drug addiction
How to Contact Passages Addiction Treatment Centers:
Call Passages Addiction Treatment Centers today if you or a loved one is battling an addiction to drugs and alcohol. Our admissions department is available 24/7 and can be reached directly by calling our toll-free number at (888) 397-0112. We look forward to speaking with you soon.
