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Prescription Drug Abuse Remains Growing Problem

Once upon a time, the war against drugs included substances like cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, Ecstacy and inhalants. Now, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration, more Americans are abusing prescription drugs than the other listed substances combined.

The so-called “war on drugs” is not a battle that is being won as more than 15 million Americans abuse a controlled substance. Transworld News reports that this is double the amount from a decade ago. Emergency rooms are seeing more admits due to overdoses from prescription drugs.

It is suggested that the statistics surrounding prescription drug abuse is the result of successful marketing campaigns by pharmaceutical companies. The ads suggest that the drug is safe and intense marketing at medical doctors helps to increase prescription rates and use.

When a drug of any kind is used over the long term, the body will develop a tolerance. As a result, the person needs more and more of the drug in order to achieve the same effect. This increased use can lead to drug addiction.

The ease of acquisition and use of prescription drugs is increasing the number of individuals addicted to such drugs. As a result, it is becoming more of a problem for those with legitimate prescriptions and others who are abusing the system to gain access to their drug of choice.

Tighter controls on prescription drugs are needed, yet law enforcement is fighting what could be a losing battle. Drugs are easily available online for a low cost and without a prescription. Even though a person’s life could be at stake, the demand for this type of drug is growing, creating a booming market for illegal traffickers.
 

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