Stop Prescription Drug Abuse! Drug Rehab Orlando Florida

House of Freedom is drug and alcohol rehab center in Orlando Florida and has been a leader of substance abuse treatment for over 20 years. During the years that House of Freedom has been providing quality addiction treatment services, we have seen the increase in the use of prescription drugs as a primary drug of choice. Taken without a doctor’s advice, these prescription drugs can be potentially dangerous with serious short term and long term consequences. Prescription drug abuse is described as an epidemic by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When prescriptions are taken without a prescription, in dosages other than that prescribed or for the resulting ‘high’, it is referred to as prescription drug abuse.

The abuse of prescription drugs actually leads down a path to consumption of illicit drugs. According to a National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) in 2009, nearly one-third of people aged 12 and over started using drugs by using a prescription drug non-medically a long time back. Teenagers have the wrong perception that these prescription drugs are safer than illicit drugs like cocaine and heroine just because they are prescribed by a healthcare professional.

The American population especially the teenagers have to be educated regarding the prescription drug abuse and the resulting disorders so that steps could be taken towards healthier, more productive lives. The NSDUH research shows that 70% of prescription drug abuse patients obtained these drugs from their friends and relatives while 5% contacted drug dealers or shopped online. Moreover, prescriptions for opioid pain relievers have increased by 48% from 174 million prescriptions to 257 million prescriptions, from 2000 to 2009. Moreover, there is also an increase in the milligram-per-person use of prescription opioids in the U.S. (from 74 milligrams to 369 milligrams from 1997 to 2007).
Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs

The commonly abused prescription drugs include:

• Opioids (pain relievers OxyContin and Vicodin)
• Central nervous system depressants (e.g., Xanax, Valium) for anxiety or sleep problems.
• Stimulants (e.g., Concerta, Adderall) prescribed for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, narcolepsy, or obesity.

There are also certain medications such as DXM (dextromethorphan), the active cough suppressant, which is available over the counter without any prescription. This cough syrup is abused widely by teenagers simply to feel the ‘high’ when they take them in dosages other than that prescribed on the bottle.

How Misuse Of Prescription Drugs Can Affect You?

Prescription drugs when abused over extended periods of time can lead to addiction. Opioids are known to cause drowsiness, constipation and breathing problems while central nervous system depressants slow down brain function. When these depressants are taken along with other medications, it can cause drowsiness. If taken with alcohol, there is an increased risk of falling heart rate and respiration. Severe abusers can face extreme body temperatures, anxiety, paranoia, irregular heartbeat or seizures.

What You Can Do Top Stop Substance Abuse?

The problem with prescription drugs is that since they are legal, they are available easily at almost all pharmacies. Educate people around you around about how uncontrolled use of prescription drugs can harm their bodies. Dispose unused medicines safely, and see whether there is a take-back program in your community. If you or a loved one needs help with substance abuse, seek help from a drug addiction treatment center in Orlando Florida to lead a healthy and happy life.

GET HELP NOW BEFORE ITS TOO LATE! Living a drug free life is possible. Contact us at 1-888-796-8040. God bless.