Debunking the Myths of Prescription Drug Abuse
Prescription drug abuse is a big problem, but there are many misconceptions about these drugs. Although they are medicine, they can be misused and have terrible consequences. Thinking that prescription drugs can’t be abused can get you in trouble. These myths can keep you in denial, in addiction, and in danger. Here are five myths about prescription drugs and five facts that debunk them.
Myth #1: Prescription drugs are difficult to get.
Fact: You don’t need to go to a doctor to get prescription drugs, unfortunately. With the rise in prescription abuse, you can get these drugs anywhere. Some people with prescriptions sell their pills to people who want to get high. Theft of prescription drugs is common as well.
Myth #2: Prescription drugs are not addictive if taken as prescribed.
Fact: Prescription drugs can be addictive. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies many prescription drugs as schedule II to V controlled substances. This means that these drugs have a high potential for abuse and can lead to psychological and physical dependence. Just because a pill is prescribed for a legitimate reason doesn’t mean that you are completely safe to use the drug at your leisure. You must follow the doctor’s specific instructions on how to take the pill and for the exact amount of time. If you are prescribed medication that can be addictive, be open with your doctor and tell him or her of any feelings you have when are not taking the medication. This can let the doctor know if you are becoming dependent and may be experiencing withdrawal and potentially save your life.
Myth #3: Prescription drugs are safer than illicit drugs.
Fact: Medicine does not equal safe, especially if you are taking prescription medication that you have no medical need for. Prescription drugs are powerful drugs and you run the risk of overdose. You also run the risk of experiencing side effects. If you mix different prescription drugs or mix alcohol or illicit drugs together, you can have serious consequences or can even die. In the end, you have no idea how these medications are going to affect you.
Myth #4: Using prescription drugs is legal.
Fact: If you are getting prescription drugs without a legitimate prescription in your name or if you are lying to doctors to get a prescription, then it is illegal. There are people getting arrested for obtaining a controlled substance by prescription fraud. Even if a friend or family member lets you have one pill or vice versa, that is technically illegal.
Myth #5: Using a friend’s or family member’s prescription is OK.
Fact: It’s not OK to take someone else’s prescription medication. Aside from being illegal, it is not safe. If you take medication not prescribed to you, you are putting yourself at risk. As said before, you don’t know what reaction you will have to the drugs. Even if you have the same condition as your friend or family member, that doesn’t mean that you should be taking the same drugs. It may react badly with other medication that you take. It is dangerous and illegal to take someone else’s prescription drugs. Prescription drug use is a slippery slope to addiction and getting treatment at a drug rehab center is the best way to break free from addiction.
The longer you wait to stop the habit, the harder it will be. So what are you waiting for?
At Stepping Stone Center, our priority is to provide you the best drug treatment. With the skills you will learn at our drug rehab program, you will have the tools to help you on the road to recovery. Don’t settle for less, call Stepping Stone Center and begin living a life free of drugs and alcohol.
