Prescription Drug Abuse / Misuse

Are you or someone you love addicted to prescription drugs?

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, nearly 48 million people have made prescription drug abuse (this is almost 20% of the American population)!

Prescription drug misuse and abuse is the use of a prescription medication in a way not intended by the prescribing doctor.

Making intentional or unintentional use of medication without a prescription, in a way other than prescribed, or for the experience or feeling it causes, is something that gives rise to a series of problems and can be fatal if combined with consumption of other substances (eg. alcohol).

Did you know that deaths from Opioid overdose in the US are now the leading cause of accidental deaths in the US?

Prescription drug abuse and misuse can cause:

– Drug Addiction

– Fall and Fractures (especially in older adults)

– Hepatitis C and HIV infections

– Death

Against the general belief, prescription drug abuse IS dangerous.

This issue is a growing national problem in the United States, however it is treatable if you have the right help.

Contact us Today if you or someone you care about needs help, or you need more information on this matter.

The following classes of prescription drugs are the ones which are usually misused:

– Opioids which treat pain.

– Anti-depressants (like Valium, Xanax, etc) which treat anxiety.

– Stimulants (like Concerta, Adderall, etc) which treat attention deficit disorder.

You should be extra careful if you have these type of drugs in your home and talk to your doctor immediately if they get consumed quicker than the prescribed dose.

What to do

Our practice uses a number of ways to treat conditions arising from prescription drug abuse, offering a complete treatment plan which may include medications, in addition to psychological support and access to counselors who specialize in different aspects of addiction.

Prescription drug abuse is a serious problem. But you can treat it! Don’t wait until you experience serious consequences for you or your loved ones before you act.

Dr. Onwuanibe is a qualified and experienced doctor, offering care, support and expertize to patients who are looking to overcome struggles with substance abuse.