A List of Preventative Measures for Prescription Drug Abuse
Wednesday, January 12th, 2011
The abuse of pain medications and prescription drugs has been on an alarming rise in recent years. With this rise comes the tragedy of overdoses and deaths related to these drugs. Treatment and drug rehab is available to address the cases of prescription drug addiction. However, preventative measure can be taken to prevent prescription drug abuse in the home. The C.A.R.E.S Alliance is a nonprofit organization committed to helping individuals with the responsible use of pain medications. They provide a Safe Use and Handling Guide for dealing with opioids that are known culprits of prescription drug abuse.
Take Prescriptions Exactly as Prescribed – Typically pain medications are intended to be a short term solution. Extended use can increase the risk of developing abuse behaviors and addiction. Always take medications as prescribed and always consult your healthcare provider on the use of these medicines. Discuss with your doctor the risks of drug addiction with medications that are prescribed to you.
Always Keep Medications in a Safe and Controlled Location (away from children) – The recent Monitoring the Youth survey by the National Institute of Drug Abuse has shown a growing trend in adolescents using pain medications in a recreational manner. The common place for obtaining such drugs is their own medicine cabinets. This can be prevented by keeping such medications in a safe and controlled location. Alcohol and drug abuse at a young aide greatly increases the risks of developing an addiction and requiring treatment from a drug rehab program.
Never Share Pain Medications – The simple rule, do not share your medications with others under any circumstances. This can be contributing to their abuse and addiction. Never sell your pain meds to others. Not only is this illegal, it can contribute to misuse and overdosing deaths.
Safely Dispose of Medications no Longer in Use – Most communities have developed programs for the safe disposal of medications. Dispose of them as soon as you and your doctor have decided you no longer need them. This decreases the risk of misuse, abuse and theft.
When it comes to prescription drug addiction, the best way to address the issue is with proper treatment and drug rehab care. Consult your healthcare provider on options for drug rehab treatment programs that are available. The 2010 TEDS Report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reported a significant rise in admissions into drug rehab for prescription drugs, particularly pain medications. It is an effective measure for treating this difficult disease developed through the abuse of drugs that were intended as a help.

Prescription drug addiction and abuse is continuing to grow into a nationwide problem. Prescription drug overdoses were the second largest form of accidental death in the US recently. A number of individuals who have no intention of abusing drugs are slowly developing addictions to the pain medicines they have been prescribed. Drug rehab can provide a treatment and solution for such problems. The abuse of prescription drugs can be halted and treated just like addictions to illicit drugs and alcohol. Many times it is up to loved ones to get the individual help for their struggles.
Cirque Lodge offers a caring treatment program and drug rehab for those struggling with pain relievers. When used appropriately, these medications can be a great benefit in managing and reducing pain. Sadly, these medications also bring with them an increased risk. Many have developed an addiction to these drugs and a tendency to abuse them. A stay within our mountain drug rehab facility can help to address these concerns and provide proper rehabilitation.