Prescription drug abuse is a rapidly growing problem in this country, thanks to the wide availability of prescription drugs and the misperceptions about their safety. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), approximately 7 million Americans use pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants and sedatives for non-medical reasons. The most commonly abused prescription drugs are opioids (such as OxyContin and Vicodin), central nervous system (CNS) depressants (such as Valium and Xanax), and stimulants (such as Ritalin and Adderall). Without treatment at a prescription drug rehab, many individuals will continue to abuse and suffer from the effects of their prescription drug addiction.
Prescription Drug Rehab for Women
Women face a unique set of risk factors for prescription drug addiction. The first major factor is the high rate of prescription drugs that are prescribed to women. Studies show that twice as many women as men take antidepressants, and that doctors prescribe twice as many psychotropic medications for women as for men. According to NIDA, women are more likely than men to be prescribed an abusable prescription drug — in some cases as much as 55 percent more likely.
The second major risk factor for women and prescription drug addiction is that women’s physiological differences make them more susceptible to addiction. Factors such as size and hormone fluctuations during their menstrual cycle cause women to become clinically addicted more quickly than men.
Despite their high rate of prescription drug addiction, many women will refuse to seek treatment for a variety of reasons. These reasons include the social stigma women with addictions face and the fear of losing their children if an addiction is admitted. A prescription drug rehab for women can address the unique issues women with addiction face and put them on the road to recovery.
Prescription Drug Rehab for Teens
According to a study by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, the number of teens who abuse prescription drugs has nearly tripled since 1992. Teens abuse prescription drugs more than any other illicit drug except for marijuana — more than cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin combined. In fact, five out of the six most frequently abused drugs among high school seniors are prescription medications (Monitoring the Future Survey), and prescription medications are the number-one most frequently abused drugs among 12- to 13-year-olds (National Survey on Drug Use and Health).
The rise of prescription drug abuse among teens is two-fold: prescription drugs are easy for teens to obtain and teens falsely believe that prescription drugs are safer than illegal drugs. The truth is that teens who abuse prescription drugs are at a greater risk for a variety of consequences, including abusing other illicit substances later in life. A prescription drug rehab is essential for teens with an addiction. Without treatment, the addiction will only grow worse and potentially lead to co-occurring addictions.
Prescription Drug Rehab and the Elderly
People over the age of 65 account for one-third of all medications prescribed in the United States. Older adults, especially the elderly, are often prescribed multiple medications that require long-term use, making them more susceptible to “accidental” addiction and misuse. In fact, 17% of adults 60 years and over abuse prescription drugs (National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information). This represents as much as 30% of the number of prescription drug users, despite the fact that the elderly comprise just 13% of the population.
Because of their older age, differences in metabolism and higher risk of drug interactions due to multiple prescriptions, the elderly are more at risk for adverse health effects caused by prescription drug abuse and misuse. A prescription drug rehab for an older person can help the patient live a healthier and longer life free of drug addiction.
Prescription Drug Rehab: Help for All Ages
Whether you’re a man, woman, teen or elderly person, prescription drug rehab can help you safely overcome your addiction to prescription medications. A rehab facility will provide medically supervised detox, individual and group therapy, and offer comprehensive aftercare counseling. If you or someone you know is suffering from a prescription drug addiction, don’t wait. Call a prescription drug rehab today and take the first step to an addiction-free life.
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