Prescription Drug Abuse

Prescription drug abuse is not about bad drugs or even bad people. It involves a complex web of factors, including the power of drug abuse, drug addiction, and often the difficulty both patients and doctors have discussing the topic. A recent survey by the National Institute on Drug Abuse at Columbia University indicated that approximately 50% of primary care physicians have difficulty speaking with their patients about substance abuse.

There is also the delicate balance of curbing criminal activity related to prescription drug abuse while making sure that people with legitimate health needs can still access care, says Alan I. Leshner, Ph.D., director of NIDA. "We recognize the very real issue that millions of lives are improved because of prescription drugs--the same drugs that are sometimes abused," he says.

Most patients take medicine responsibly, but approximately 9 million Americans used prescription drugs for non-medical purposes in 1999, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Non-medical purposes include misusing prescription drugs for recreation and for psychic effects--to get high, to have fun, to get a lift, or to calm down.

Prescription drug abuse is no different from alcoholism or an addiction to any other substance. However, no one is prescribed alcohol or cocaine for medical reasons. People who suffer from chronic pain are in a very difficult position. Painkillers do relieve pain. For people who suffer from constant and chronic pain, narcotics may be necessary to allow them to have any quality of life. The downside is becoming physically dependent and risking the possibility of addiction.

The most common prescription drug abuse substances are opioids and benzodiazepines. Opioids are generally used to control pain. Benzodiazepines, or tranquilizers, are used to manage anxiety. These drugs are prescribed for short-term use such as acute pain and anxiety that is in reaction to a specific event. They may also be prescribed for chronic pain or generalized anxiety.

Pharmacists can play a key role in preventing prescription drug abuse by providing clear information and advice about how to take a medication appropriately, about the effects the medication may have, and about any possible drug interactions. Pharmacists can help prevent prescription fraud or diversion by looking for false or altered prescription forms. Many pharmacies have developed "hotlines" to alert other pharmacies in the region when a fraud is detected.

You may be concerned about your child, your spouse, your partner, your parent(s), your brother or sister, a friend, a work colleague, or even yourself. If you are looking for prescription drug abuse help for someone you care about here are some key points to keep in mind.

• You can offer your help and support. You can show that you care about them.
• You cannot control the individual's actions. Only they can control their actions. They ultimately have to make the decision to get help for their prescription drug abuse problems.
• The very thought of not using may make some individuals frightened or scared. They may have abused one prescription drug or another for such a long period of time that it feels to them being intoxicated is natural. Or, they may fear withdrawal which sometimes can be quite painful.
• Only very powerful motivation can help an addict decide to end their abuse. This motivation comes about when the consequences of using become even more painful than not using.

Years of research have shown us that addiction to both prescription drugs and illegal drugs are the same when it comes to treatment and recovery. However, no single type of treatment is appropriate for all individuals who have prescription drug abuse problems. Treatment must take into account the type of drug used and the needs of the individual.

The two main categories of prescription drug abuse and addiction treatment are behavioral and pharmacological. Behavioral treatments teach people how to function without drugs, how to handle cravings, how to avoid drugs and situations that could lead to drug use, how to prevent relapse, and how to handle relapse should it occur. When delivered effectively, behavioral treatments - such as individual counseling, group or family counseling, contingency management, and cognitive-behavioral therapies - also can help patients improve their personal relationships and ability to function at work and in the community.