Prescription drug abuse
Prescription medications such as pain relievers, central nervous system (CNS) depressants (tranquilizers and sedatives), and stimulants are highly beneficial treatments for a variety of health conditions. Pain relievers enable individuals with chronic pain to lead productive lives; tranquilizers can reduce anxiety and help patients with sleep disorders; and stimulants help people with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) focus their attention.Most people who take prescription medications use them responsibly. But when abused - that is, taken by someone other than the patient for whom the medication was prescribed, or taken in a manner or dosage other than what was prescribed - prescription medications can produce serious adverse health effects, including addiction.
Because the medications associated with prescription drug abuse activate the brain's reward center, it's easy to become addicted to them. Addicts continue to use their drug of choice even when this use makes their lives worse - just like nicotine addicts continue smoking cigarettes even when it harms their health and they want to quit.
Remember - If it were easy to stop abusing prescription drugs, no one would become addicted to them. If your current situation has you concerned enough that you are exploring the possiblity of seeking help - it’s time. If now is not the time, ask yourself: "How much worse will it have to get before you are willing to act?"
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