Is prescription drug abuse a public health issue?
Is prescription drug abuse a public health issue?
The problem of prescription drug abuse and its related health consequences is a significant public health concern in the U.S. Drug overdose death rates in the U.S. have increased five-fold since 1980.
What is considered abuse of prescription drugs?
Prescription drug abuse is the use of a prescription medication in a way not intended by the prescribing doctor. Prescription drug abuse or problematic use includes everything from taking a friend’s prescription painkiller for your backache to snorting or injecting ground-up pills to get high.
Who is most at risk for prescription drug abuse?
Misuse of prescription drugs is highest among young adults ages 18 to 25, with 14.4 percent reporting nonmedical use in the past year. Among youth ages 12 to 17, 4.9 percent reported past-year nonmedical use of prescription medications.
Is it illegal to misuse prescription drugs?
Yes, it is illegal to use prescription drugs without a valid prescription or to distribute them. The penalties associated with the abuse or illegal distribution of prescription drugs vary depending upon the drug type. How are they obtained?
How can we prevent prescription drug abuse?
never stopping or changing a dosing regimen without first discussing it with the doctor. never using another person’s prescription and never giving their prescription medications to others. storing prescription stimulants, sedatives, and opioids safely.
Why is prescription drug abuse an important issue?
Chronic pain conditions and prescription drug abuse are becoming important public health issues. Population-based studies reveal that more than 75 million Americans (about 25% of the entire population) have chronic or recurrent pain. Of these, 40% report the pain as having moderate to severe impact on their lives [6].
What is the most over prescribed drug?
Hydrocodone (combined with acetaminophen) — 131.2 million prescriptions. Generic Zocor (simvastatin), a cholesterol-lowering statin drug — 94.1 million prescriptions. Lisinopril (brand names include Prinivil and Zestril), a blood pressure drug — 87.4 million prescriptions.
What are the most prescribed drugs?
The Top 300 Drugs of 2019
| Rank | Drug Name | Total Prescriptions (2019) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Atorvastatin | 112,104,359 |
| 2 | Levothyroxine | 102,595,103 |
| 3 | Lisinopril | 91,862,708 |
| 4 | Metformin | 85,739,443 |
What are the legal consequences of abusing prescription drugs?
Penalties for violating various aspects of the law can include jail time, fines, and loss of DEA licensure (and thus loss of ability to prescribe some or all controlled substances).
What are the 10 most prescribed drugs?
Top 10 Drugs Prescribed in the U.S.
- Vicodin (hydrocodone/acetaminophen)
- Simvastatin (Generic for Zocor)
- Lisinopril (Generic for Prinivil or Zestril)
- Levothyroxine (generic for Synthroid)
- Azithromycin (generic for Zithromax, Z-PAK)
- Metformin (generic for Glucophage)
- Lipitor (atorvastatin)
- Amlodipine (generic for Norvasc)
When to report someone who is abusing prescription drugs?
If you know someone who is abusing prescription drugs, it might be the best decision to report them. If they are your loved one or friend, you may think you are betraying them. However, just remember, you only want what is best for them. You want them to have the best life possible. You are trying to help save their life.
How to report illegal sales of prescription drugs on the Internet?
Report Suspected Unlawful Sales of Pharmaceutical Drugs on the Internet Report illegal sales/distribution of prescription drugs (i.e., oxycodone, hydrocodone, etc.); doctors and pharmacies Report an incident with Synthetic Drugs (i.e., Green Giant, Joker, N-Bomb, Flakka, etc.)
How many people per year abuse prescription drugs?
According to HealthDay, in the United States of America, around seven million people abuse prescription drugs. This is a much higher statistic than it is for those who abuse heroin, ecstasy, and cocaine combined.
How to report a violation of Controlled Substances Regulations?
Use the links below to report what appears to you as a possible violation of controlled substances laws and regulations. Violations including unlawful purchasing of prescription drugs over the Internet, illegal prescription drug sales, illicit drug distribution or extortion scams.