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Madeleine Dalton
Professor Roberts
Life, Society and Drugs- HLTH 1050
June 25th, 2016
Prescription Drug Abuse
In Utah alone, an estimated twenty-four individuals die from prescription drug overdoses
every month. According to the Utah Department of Healths website, we have ranked fourth in
the United States for drug poisoning deaths from 2012-2014, which have outpaced deaths due
to firearms, falls, and motor vehicle crashes (2014). Considering that Utah has experienced a
400% increase in deaths from the misuse of prescription drugs, I think its safe to say that this is
a serious public health issue.
The issue of prescription drug abuse needs more emphasis in society, and people need to
recognize that it is a great cause for concern. To prevent future deaths and misuse of prescription
drugs, we as a community need to raise awareness and emphasize the risks and consequences of
using them. Early detection with intervention and treatment can prevent addiction and death. If
the necessary steps are taken to help solve the problem, theres a possibility that more lives will
be saved and there will be fewer incidences of abuse and overdose.
In order to understand prescription drug abuse, one needs to know what it is, and what
kind of behaviors to look for. The Mayo Clinic describes prescription drug abuse as being any
use of a prescription medication in a way that is not instructed by a physician. The website states
that prescription drug use or problematic use includes everything from taking a friends
prescription painkiller for your backache to snorting or injecting ground-up pills to get high
(2015).

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Despite the negative consequences of abusing prescription medication, the use of such
medication may be ongoing and compulsive. For many individuals, this could result in
developing an addiction. One of the biggest dangers with taking these types of medications is
that many of them are highly addictive. Initially, the individual will take the medication
voluntarily, but in many cases, they will develop a dependence on the drug. WebMd describes
drug addiction as being a chronic brain disease, and over time, changes in the brain caused by
repeated drug abuse affect a persons self control and ability to make sound decisions (n.d.).
There are many types of prescription drugs that are used for different reasons. However,
there are three main classes that are most commonly abused. The National Institute on Drug
Abuse gives a brief description of them and their purposes. The first are Opioids which are
usually prescribed to treat pain. The second class of drugs are central nervous system (CNS)
depressants, and they are used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. The last are called stimulants,
and they are often prescribed to treat disorders like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (NIDA
2014).
There are many benefits to using opioids, but there are many dangers and consequences if
used incorrectly. There are at least eleven major opioid medications that are currently on the
market. Just to name a few, some of them are: morphine, codeine, oxycodone, methadone,
fentanyl, etc. Since Opioid drugs belong to Schedule II of controlled substances, they are
available as prescription medications but have a high potential for abuse. According to Charles
Levinthals book, opioids are used for three therapeutic purposes: the relief of pain, the treatment
of acute diarrhea, and the suppression of coughing (135).
Opioids affect the brain and body in many ways, and can cause many symptoms or
complications. According to the NIDA website, opioids act by attaching to proteins called opioid

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receptors, which helps reduce the perception of pain. Since these medications also affect regions
in the brain associated with reward, some people experience a euphoric response, or feelings of
excitement and happiness (NIDA 2014). As for symptoms, opioids can cause drowsiness,
confusion, nausea, and constipation. The Mayo Clinic discusses other symptoms such as; slowed
breathing rate, and poor coordination (2015). It is also possible for people to experience and
increase in pain with higher doses.
When taken as prescribed, opioids can be used to effectively manage pain. However,
when they are abused, consequences can occur. The NIDA website explains that large doses can
cause severe respiratory depression and death. Regular misuse of opioids can lead to physical
dependence and addiction, which can cause moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms. Such
symptoms include: restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea and vomiting, cold
flashes, and involuntary leg movement (2014).
Central nervous system (CNS) depressants are sometimes referred to as sedatives or
tranquilizers. These types of substances have the ability to slow brain activity, which aids in the
treatment of anxiety and sleep disorders. There are three types of CNS depressants:
Benzodiazepines, Non-benzodiazepine sleep medications, and Barbiturates. Benzodiazepines,
like Valium, are prescribed to treat anxiety and panic attacks. Non-benzodiazepines (Ambien and
Sonata) have a different chemical structure, but produce similar effects with less risk of
dependence. Barbiturates, such as Nembutal, are used to help with sleeping problems and seizure
disorders. When compared to benzodiazepines, though, they are known to have higher overdose
rates.
Most CNS depressants affect the brain by increasing the neurotransmitter called
gammaamniobutyric acid (GABA). This means that brain activity is inhibited, and the individual

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will feel calm and sometimes drowsy (NIDA 2014). These effects can be very beneficial for
people suffering from anxiety. Harmful consequences can occur if CNS depressants are taken for
long periods of time. They have a high potential for abuse and dependence, and continued use
will require larger doses to receive full effect. When individuals stop taking them, they can
experience a rebound effect, which can result in seizures or other complications.
It should be known that withdrawal from benzodiazepines are problematic, but prolonged
used of barbiturates can have life-threatening complications (NIDA 2014). The Mayo Clinic
describes symptoms of CNS depressants can include: drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech,
poor concentration, memory problems, slowed breathing and unsteady walking (2015).
Stimulants are the final class of commonly abused drugs. These types of drugs are known
to increase alertness, and elevate blood pressure, heart rate and respiration. The NIDA website
explains that as the potential for abuse became more apparent, the medical use of stimulants is
now only prescribed to treat health conditions like ADHD and narcolepsy. Common types of
stimulants are Adderall and Ritalin. NIDA states that stimulants act in the brain similarly to a
family of key brain neurotransmitters called monoamines, which include norepinephrine and
dopamine (2014). As a result of this, stimulants enhance the effects of said chemicals and
increase feelings of euphoria.
As with many other prescription drugs, stimulants have risks and consequences. Aside
from the potential for abuse and dependence, individuals may experience severe withdrawal
symptoms. Feelings of hostility or paranoia, psychosis, high body temperature, and irregular
heartbeat are just a few. In serious cases, individuals can suffer from cardiovascular failure and
seizures. However, typical symptoms after taking stimulants include: decreased appetite,
agitation, insomnia, and anxiety (Mayo Clinic 2015).

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When it comes to determining who is most likely to abuse prescription drugs, theres not
a clear answer. According to the 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated
2.4 million Americans used prescription drugs nonmedically (NIDA 2014). Drug abuse can
affect all age groups, but its most common in younger people in their teens and twenties. If an
individual is suspected of abusing prescription drugs, there are signs and behaviors to look for.
A few of the signs and behaviors of prescription drug abuse include: stealing prescription
drugs, taking higher doses than prescribed, excessive mood swings or hostility, disrupted sleep
patterns, poor decision-making, seeking prescriptions from more than one physician, etc. (Mayo
Clinic 2015). People who are abusing medications or develop an addiction may also participate
in risky behaviors like using other illicit drugs and being involved in crime.
Some people are more prone to drug abuse than others, and its important to know whos
at risk. The Mayo Clinic explains that people are at risk of developing drug issues if they have
the following: past or present addictions to other substances, family history of substance abuse,
younger age, pre-existing psychiatric conditions, exposure to peer pressure, easy access, and lack
of knowledge about prescription drugs and harmful effects (2015).
The best way to prevent prescription drug abuse is to inform individuals about the risks
and consequences. People need to realize that these types of medications are very addictive, we
need to discuss the dangers of taking them. Anyone taking prescription medications should be
responsible and only take them as prescribed. They also need to keep their drugs safe from
others. Everyone has a part to play in the prevention of drug abuse, especially physicians,
patients, family members, and parents.
As for treatment options, there are two main categories: behavioral and pharmacological.
Behavioral treatments teach patients how to function without drugs, deal with cravings, how to

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avoid drugs, and how to handle a relapse (NIDA 2014). Whether this type of treatment, there are
different types of counseling. Whether its individual counseling, group or family counseling, or
cognitive-behavioral therapy, there is an option for everyone Pharmacological treatments help
counter the effects of drugs on the brain, and can be used to relieve withdrawal symptoms and
overcome cravings. Either way, research has shown that both methods (used together or
individually) are very helpful options for dealing with addiction.
I have become sensitive to this issue because someone very close to me has struggled
with prescription drug abuse and addiction for many years. Not only has it devastated that
person, it has devastated my entire family. For the sake of my family and other families
worldwide, something must be done to resolve the issue prescription drug abuse. I believe that
this issue deserves more emphasis in society, as it has become a very serious public health
problem. We need to raise awareness of the risks and consequences of abusing prescription
medications. By doing so, addiction, overdoses and death may be prevented.

Works Cited

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Diseases and Conditions: Prescription Drug Abuse. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education
and Research. Mayo Clinic, 19 September 2015. Web. 1 August 2016.
Levinthal, Charles. Drugs, Behavior, and Modern Society. 8th ed. Upper Saddle River: Pearson
Education, Inc., 2014. Print.
Prescription Drug Abuse. WebMD, LLC. WebMD, n.d. Web. 2 August 2016.
Prescription Drug Overdoses. Utah Department of Health. Utah Department of Health, 2014.
Web. 1 August 2016.
What are some of the commonly abused prescription drugs? National Institute on Drug Abuse.
National Institute on Drug Abuse, November 2014. Web. 2 August 2016.