As of the date that this article was written, the results from Michael Jackson’s autopsy are inconclusive and a declaration of the cause of death as a prescription drug overdose would still be premature. Even so, Michael Jackson’s problems with OxyContin and Demerol – two extremely addictive prescription medications – have brought attention to and raised awareness of the problem of prescription drug abuse in the United States. The problem of substance abuse and addiction among celebrities is representative of the larger problem across the country (Read The Media’s Portrayal of Celebrity Addictions), which affects numerous Americans. This article will discuss prescription drug abuse and addiction.

What is prescription drug abuse? What are signs of prescription drug abuse?

Prescription drug abuse occurs any time a person deviates from their prescribed dosage, frequency of administration, or route of administration. In other words, even if someone you know claims that they “are in so much pain” or that “the doctor just doesn’t understand,” they are abusing their prescription drug if they do not take it according to the doctor’s orders or guidelines. Some abusers and addicts will take the prescription medicine more often than necessary; others will take a greater amount (Read Overdose). However, one of the most important signs of a problem with prescription drugs is changing the route of administration. For example, many prescription drug abusers and addicts will grind a timed-release pill into powder form and then snort or inject the substance intravenously because this will allow the substance to enter the bloodstream more quickly, which, in turn, leads to a faster and more intense high (Read The Dangers of IV Drug Use).

Who is at risk for abusing or developing an addiction to a prescription medication?

Technically, anyone who uses an addictive substance may develop an addiction to that substance (Read Who Becomes an Addict?). According to emerging scientific evidence, a genetic predisposition for addiction may increase a person’s risk (Read Addiction & Genetics). For this reason, when your doctor prescribes a new medication, it is always a good idea to ask about the addictive potential of that prescription, especially if you have a personal or family history of addiction.

A disturbing trend of prescription drug abuse is occurring among America’s teenagers. The Partnership for a Drug-Free America estimates that 2,500 teenagers experiment with a prescription drug for the first time each day (Read Parents & Pills: Unintentional Drug Dealers and Think Locking the Liquor Cabinet is Enough? Think Again). In some cases, teens will harvest or “pharm” prescription drugs from the medicine cabinets of friends and family; they will then experiment with different drugs at “pharm parties.” Clearly, prescription drug abuse is a wide-spread social problem that affects individuals and families of any age, race, or socio-economic background.

What are some commonly abused prescription medications?

The Drug Enforcement Administration maintains a list of addictive prescription substances and monitors their dissemination to patients. Schedule I drugs may not be distributed; they are considered to be highly addictive and potentially dangerous with no determined medical purpose. Therefore, prescription medications that are commonly abused fall into one of the categories from Schedule II to Schedule V; the more addictive the substance, the lower schedule number. Some commonly abused prescription drugs include:

• Xanax
• Vicodin
• OxyContin
• Dilaudid
• Valium
• Ativan
• Morphine

How can I help a person who is abusing or addicted to prescription medications?

If someone you know is abusing or addicted to a prescription medication, you have already helped them by recognizing that there is a problem and seeking help. Many addicts do not have insight into their problem (Read How to Deal With Denial) and those who do may resist help as a way to feel even slightly in control of their out-of-control situation (Read Intervention: Is It Time?). If you think you might have a problem with a prescription medication, it may be time to ask yourself some difficult questions (Read Self-evaluation: Is There a Problem?)

eDrugRehab has helped many addicts and their families by planning interventions, guiding their selection of rehab facilities (Read What to Ask a Rehab Facility), and providing advice as-needed throughout the recovery process (Read Talk It Out: Is Therapy Right for You?). We work with numerous facilities across the country, and we can help you find a rehab in your area or in your budget (Read Rehab: Local vs. Out-of-State and How to Pay for Rehab). Visit the Contact Us page to learn how you can speak with one of eDrugRehab’s addiction or intervention specialists today.