When we think of drug abuse problems, we tend to think of teenagers or drug addicts. There is a more subtle and less obvious form of drug abuse which occurs throughout all levels of society. This is the abuse of prescription medications.
Medication for pain or anxiety can create dependency. Sometimes, when an individual suffers from extreme pain, it is a tough choice whether to withhold medication that could help or to risk creating an addiction. This decision is best left to doctors, who sometimes may choose to alleviate the suffering first and deal with the dependency later.
The more disturbing situation is one in which the individual no longer requires such strong pain or anxiety medication, but likes the feeling it gives, and so continues to request prescription refills. If the doctor becomes suspicious, and refuses refills, the individual may simply find another doctor. Doctors have ways of monitoring the use of some narcotic drugs, but not so with many others.
Some medications containing codeine, for example, are available over the counter. One who becomes addicted may take larger quantities of an over-the-counter medication to get the same amount of codeine, for example, found in a prescription medication. Often, more than one medication is being abused.
The chemical addiction is a problem in itself, but it also leads to secondary behaviours that are destructive to the individual and his or her relationships. It becomes necessary to lie and to hide the addictive use. It takes a very strong individual to recognize his or her addiction, and to conquer it alone.
If you or someone you know may have this type of dependency, the first step is to consult with a doctor. As always, admitting there is a problem is the first step to recovery.
