However, depending on the prescription drug(s) an individual develops an addiction to, these medicines taken as prescribed may not produce the same effects as other prescription opioids do when they are misused. The development of Substance abuse effective, non-addicting pain medications is a public health priority. A growing number of older adults and an increasing number of injured military service members add to the urgency of finding new treatments. Some promising strategies exist for addressing these two high-risk groups.
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Facilities in California
Some individuals who misuse prescription drugs, particularly teens, believe these substances are safer than illicit drugs because they are prescribed by a healthcare professional and dispensed by a pharmacist. Addressing the prescription drug abuse epidemic is not only a top priority for public health, it will also help build stronger communities and allow those with substance abuse disorders lead healthier, more productive lives. Relatively little research has focused on issues related to the impact of prescription drug abuse across other specific life stages. For example, few studies have examined prescription drug abuse in reproductive age or pregnant women. Prescription drug abuse may be more prevalent among rural pregnant women (Shannon, Havens, & Hays, 2010).
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The increase in unintentional drug overdose death rates in recent years (Figure 1) has been driven by increased use of a class of prescription drugs called opioid analgesics (1). Since 2003, more overdose deaths have involved opioid analgesics than heroin and cocaine combined (Figure 2) (1). In addition, for every unintentional overdose death related to an opioid analgesic, nine persons are admitted for substance abuse treatment (2), 35 visit emergency departments (3), 161 report drug abuse or dependence, and prescription drug abuse 461 report nonmedical uses of opioid analgesics (4). Implementing strategies that target those persons at greatest risk will require strong coordination and collaboration at the federal, state, local, and tribal levels, as well as engagement of parents, youth influencers, health-care professionals, and policy-makers. Additional research is needed to inform the field as to whether prescription drug users may have unique treatment needs. For example, although pain was found to be more likely amongst prescription opioid users compared to heroin users (Brands et al., 2004), chronic pain did not predict poorer outcomes for prescription opioid users receiving buprenorphine (Weiss et al., 2011).
- As a result, brief, open source tools such as patient questionnaires were added for ease of incorporation into routine practice.
- Assessment of clusters of risk factors has demonstrated some promise for identifying those at risk of prescription opioid abuse (Butler, Budman, Fernandez, & Jamison, 2004; Holmes et al., 2006).
- Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), and the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) – have tracked prescription misuse patterns, overdose rates, and impacts on communities.
- Therefore, the first component of the plan calls for mandatory prescriber education.
CDC data
For example, results of a meta-analytic review of studies examining the risk for developing stimulant abuse suggested that medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may actually protect against the development of substance use disorders (Faraone & Wilens, 2007). Nonetheless, diversion of medications is common; studies suggested that approximately 1/4 of those with prescribed stimulants will divert their medications at some time (Poulin, 2007; Rabiner et al., 2009; Wilens et al., 2008). In attempting to better understand the degree to which prescription drug abuse may differ from illicit drug abuse, several studies have attempted to determine whether there are meaningful subgroups in this population.
Several studies have utilized large epidemiologic surveys to attempt to address this question. These subgroups were different with respect to a number of sociodemographic variables as well as substance use and psychiatric histories. Meaningful subgroups characterized by fewer risk behaviors and initiating use for the indicated purpose of the medication (e.g., opioids for pain) also have been identified (Nielsen et al., 2011). Prescription drug misuse (PDM), or medication use without a prescription or in ways not intended by the prescriber, is a notable public health concern, especially in the United States.
- This can cause additional financial and emotional stress for the individual, as well as their loved ones.
- It could be the difference between a sober and healthy life and an early tragic death.
- I’ve had experience with recovery since 1996 and began working in the field in early 2004.
- This action is especially important for public insurers because Medicaid recipients and other low-income populations are at high risk for prescription drug overdose.
