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In America today, prescription medication is widely found on the street and highly abusive. Therefore, it’s important to recognize the most abused prescription drugs for recreational use.By utilizing this data, we can develop the proper treatment modalities and plans to ensure each and every individual has the resources to overcome abuse or addiction in their life.
Staggering Codeine Abuse Statistics
Specifically, over 33 million people use codeine every year. That number alone is overwhelming. However, 4.7 million people report non-medical use of codeine each year, according to the 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.As you can see, prescription painkillers are highly addictive. As one of the most abused prescription drugs found on the street, these medications are a growing concern for the American government.
Xanax and Benzodiazepines
In 2013, 50 million prescriptions were written for Xanax. In fact, prescription rates for Xanax have risen over 9 percent yearly.Xanax sells on the street for its euphoric effects and other concerns, such as anxiety. However, there were 124,902 emergency room visits due to the recreational use of Xanax in 2010 alone. That is more than double the 57,419 visits in 2005.
OxyContin Reaching Epidemic Proportions
OxyContin is regularly recognized as one of the most abused prescription drugs found on the street today. In addition, there are 182,748 emergency visits due to recreational use of OxyContin annually. Moreover, the United States consumes 83 percent of all OxyContin in the world today.In fact, one in 20 American teens has taken OxyContin without a prescription to the drug.
Adderall and Young Adults
Adderall is a stimulant that has quickly grown to popularity amongst young adults and college students. According to a Johns Hopkins study, from 2006 to 2011, non-prescription use of Adderall by young adults went up by 67 percent and emergency room visits skyrocketed by over 156 percent.
Vicodin Abuse Potential
Vicodin is another prescription painkiller that is popular amongst teenagers and young adults. Specifically, 5.3 percent of 12th graders reported Vicodin abuse in 2013. Additionally, over 131 million Americans had a prescription to Vicodin in 2012, which lead the drug to find its way to the street for recreational use.
Overcoming the Most Abused Prescription Drugs
Overcoming the most abused prescription drugs is much more than resisting recreational use. In fact, professional treatment helps people find sobriety after years of substance abuse. For example, programs for prescription painkillers may include:
By seeking treatment, you are recognizing a problem in your life that requires professional help and care. Moreover, you are taking the first step to sobriety by seeking help. To learn more about prescription medication abuse and treatment, contact us today at 267.719.8689.
