Risks of Prescription Drug Abuse in Teens

In this section, we will explore the short-term effects, long-term effects, and legal and social consequences of prescription drug abuse. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2021), opioids alone account for over 70% of prescription drug misuse cases in the United States. Issues like aggression, anxiety, hallucinations, and paranoia are all possible, even without a definite diagnosis.

long term effects of prescription drug abuse

Understanding Short and Long-Term Effects of Drug Use

Chronic use can lead to heart failure and increase mortality, especially if you have preexisting cardiovascular conditions. Drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, and certain stimulants can cause rapid increases in heart rate and blood pressure. This heightened cardiovascular activity can lead to arrhythmias and, in severe cases, heart attacks.

Drug addiction (substance use disorder)

Studies show that stimulant drugs like amphetamines can lead to prescription drug abuse sudden cardiac arrest. It’s important to remember that addiction is a complex disease that requires professional assistance. Seeking help is a crucial step towards recovery and provides individuals with the necessary tools and support to overcome their addiction. The cost of drug abuse in the US is nearly $820 billion per year, taking into account crime, healthcare needs, lost work productivity, and other impacts on society.

How can someone with a long-term addiction to a prescription drug get help?

Prescription drugs can cause damage to the brain’s reward or pleasure system when abused over a long period. Though addiction comes from the long-term effects of prescription drug abuse, short-term effects can still be dangerous. Early identification and intervention of prescription drug abuse may prevent the dangers of prescription drug addiction.

Addiction Treatment

  • Map out which meds to taper, which to stop or switch, and how to avoid dangerous combinations.
  • The three most commonly misused classes of medication are opioids, stimulants, and tranquilizers or sedatives.
  • The long term effects of prescription drug abuse to the brain can be treated and managed but not always fully reversed.
  • The more information teens have about the long-term effects of prescription drugs, the less likely they are to abuse them.

Stopping cold turkey from certain drugs can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms. Addiction treatment programs can give your brain and body time to heal and stabilize. You can learn coping mechanisms to deal with triggers, manage stress, and process emotions through behavioral therapies, counseling, and support groups. An addiction treatment program can save your life, offering you the support you need to overcome substance abuse. Doctors frequently prescribe medications to treat a variety of things like chronic pain, mental health conditions, and insomnia.

Support Resources for Individuals and Families

long term effects of prescription drug abuse

People between the ages of 18 and 25 are at higher risk of becoming addicted to a prescription drug than older or younger individuals. The most common reason that people in this age group abuse prescriptions is to experiment. By working together as a community, we can create a culture of responsible medication use and reduce the occurrence of prescription drug abuse. Let us strive towards a healthier and drug-free future for ourselves and our loved ones.

  • Call Muir Wood Trusted Teen Treatment to learn about our treatment programs.
  • Use of hallucinogens can produce different signs and symptoms, depending on the drug.
  • This may be the difference between watching them fall further into addiction or getting them into a medically assisted detox facility to begin treatment.

Because of this, you may not be able to feel or differentiate pleasure anymore. In fact, not incorporating all of these other methods while undergoing pain-related treatment is a reason marijuana addiction people become dependent on prescriptions. Methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine are both common prescriptions for teens struggling with ADHD. In teens, these drugs provide a calming effect and help to boost focus. In fact, teens have access to these drugs because they are easily prescribed.

Here at 1000 Islands Addiction Rehab centre, our prescription drug addiction treatment is a function of these factors. The symptoms that come with prescription drug abuse symptoms can be divided into three (3) main categories, i.e. psychological symptoms, behavioural symptoms, and physical symptoms. The psychological signs are symptoms relating to your mental interaction with your environment https://reportjourneyus.com/understanding-dual-diagnosis-and-its-treatment/ with or without the drug.

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