Prescription drug abuse is not a new problem in our society. Prescription drug abuse is indeed an ongoing problem that is currently spiraling out of control. There are many people in our society currently dealing with prescription drug addiction. Prescription drug abuse is the intentional use of a drug without a prescription; differently from what is prescribed; or for the experience or feeling it causes (The Science of Drug Abuse & Addiction, 2014). Prescription drugs are developed to assist with various medical problems and, when prescribed by a doctor, are beneficial to patients. The use of prescriptions for subjects other than those intended can cause a number of serious problems. Prescription opioids are commonly known as painkillers. Opiates are derived from opium or its synthetic versions and are used to relieve pain (National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, 2014). The most common opioids include Vicodin (hydrocodone), Percocet, OxyContin, Oxycodone, Fentanyl, and Codeine (Coalition Against Drug Abuse, 2014). Opiates are known to work by binding to receptors in the brain to reduce the perception of pain (Coalition Against Drug Abuse, 2014). There are many side effects associated with the use of prescription opioids and may include drowsiness, tremor, nausea or vomiting, constipation, physical dependence, tolerance, and respiratory depression (The Science of Drug Abuse & Addiction, 2014). Opioids usually come in the form of a pill. Those who abuse opioids often take drugs that are not prescribed for them, often consume larger doses than normally prescribed, and/or use them with alcohol and other drugs. Some drug addicts crush the pill... middle of paper... to step in and help drug offenders instead of putting them on probation and putting them back in the same environment. Things always seem to get worse before they get better, and hopefully we'll see the uptick soon. (2014, January 16). Coalition Against Drug Abuse. Retrieved from Drug Abuse: http://drugabuse.com/library/symptoms-and-signs-of-drug-abuse/National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. (2014, March 12). NABP National Association of Pharmacy Bodies. Retrieved from NABP National Association of Boards of Pharmacy: https://www.nabp.net/news/prescribers-can-play-important-role-in-reducing-painkiller-overdose-cdc-reportsThe Science of Drug Abuse & Addiction. (2014, March 26). National Institute on Drug Abuse. Retrieved from NIH - National Institute on Drug Abuse: http://www.drugabuse.gov/
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