How Can Prescription Drug Misuse Be Prevented?

The Backstory on Prescription Meds

While each drug produces different physical effects, all abused substances share one thing in common: repeated use can change the way the brain works.

Taking pills is something millions of people do on a daily basis. An overwhelming number of people take prescriptions to help them manage certain health conditions. If you are a senior citizen, the number of pills you take on a daily basis is probably substantial. Getting a great deal on prescription drugs for seniors will require the use of top-notch health insurance. With the help of professionals, you can weigh all of your health insurance options and figure out which one fits your needs.

There is another part of the American population that takes prescription drugs in order to get high or to manage their habit. In the past few years, the opioid crisis has ravaged the nation. People who have a loved one who addicted to prescription pills often wonder if there is a way to prevent this misuse. The following are some suggestions on how to contain this crisis and help future generations avoid the perils of prescription drug addiction.

Securing Your Medications is Crucial

Millions of young Americans are currently struggling with opioid addiction. One of the main reasons why this type of addiction is so common is due to how easy it is for kids to get their hands on powerful prescription drugs. Many of the people who become addicted to these substances first find them in their parent’s medicine cabinets.

If you have dangerous prescription narcotics in your possession, it is important to secure them. Getting a locking medicine cabinet is a great way to keep your prescriptions safe and secure. By investing in the right equipment, you can protect yourself and your family from dangerous prescription drugs.

There’s a tipping point when drug use becomes drug abuse or addiction.

Noticing the Signs of Drug Addiction

Seeing a loved one get hooked on prescription drugs can be heartbreaking. Generally, this addiction progresses slow and steady. The main thing you need to do is notice the signs of addiction. If you start to notice your loved one withdrawing from society, you need to figure out why. Oftentimes, addicts will want to avoid facing the people who love them especially when they are high.

If you notice one of your prescriptions is missing, you need to confront your loved one. Rather than going into this process alone, you need to consider consulting with an addiction counselor. These professionals can help you plan an intervention. The ultimate goal of this intervention will be to get your loved one into a treatment facility.

Properly Dispose of Old Prescription Drugs

Another important thing you need to do to control the prescription drug addiction crisis in America is to properly dispose of your old pills. Most pharmacies will have events where they take old prescriptions and dispose of them for people in their area. By taking your old pills in, you can avoid letting them fall into the hands of an addict.

Take Action Now

As you can see, there are a number of things you can do to address the prescription drug addiction problem in this country. Taking action now can help you create a better future for the world.

If you are thinking about getting help for drug addiction (either for yourself or someone else) check out our guide to choosing the best rehab.