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What is fueling prescription drug abuse in the United States? First, there are many misconceptions about prescription drug misuse and abuse. Overall, people are not worried about drugs that come in prescription bottles. Hence, they take risks that prove to be foolhardy and dangerous.

In 2018, accidental drug overdose surpassed car accidents as the number one cause of accidental death. Over the past few years, the numbers have continued to climb. Since prescription drugs are fueling this rise in fatalities, as opposed to illegal drugs, the danger is real.

Prescription Drug Abuse and Accidental Deaths

In the Texas Medical Center Review, a researcher writes, “According to the National Safety Council’s new report, a person born in 2017 has a greater chance of dying from an accidental opioid overdose—one in 96— than the one-in-103 odds of dying from a motor vehicle crash. This now makes opioid overdose, considered accidental, a Top 5 cause of death behind heart disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory disease, and suicide.”

Given this reality, Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC) combats the challenge as a provider of integrated recovery services. By being at the forefront of MAT Services, the TTC clinical team works tirelessly to pave the way to long-term recovery. As a note of information, MAT stands for Medication for Addiction Treatment, and it is a treatment methodology that improves recovery outcomes. By helping patients navigate the withdrawal process, MAT Services reduces relapse rates.

Misconceptions about Prescription Drug Abuse

Although it is hard to believe, here are three common misconceptions about prescription drug abuse. Despite a protective layer of education, these misconceptions affect all levels of society. Thus, it often does not matter whether you dropped out of high school or have a graduate degree.

1. Prescription Drugs Are Not Addictive

Many people believe that prescription drugs are not addictive because they are prescribed by a doctor. Hence, they cannot imagine a doctor prescribing an addictive drug. Whether you buy opioids or benzodiazepines on the street or from a pharmacy with a prescription, these drugs are dangerous, addictive, and often lead to death by overdose.

2. Prescription Drugs Are Safer Than Illegal Drugs

If taken as directed, prescription drugs are safe. However, once misused and abused, prescription drug abuse is just as dangerous as illegal drug abuse. Indeed, prescription drugs might even be more dangerous because people are willing to take greater risks.

3. Prescription Drugs Are Okay To Share With Others

Although it seems absurd, many people and families believe it is okay, even safe, to share prescription drugs with others. Such sharing is the root of prescription drug abuse. The dangerous misconception is that if the other person reads the pill bottle warnings, they will be safe and secure.

The Opioid Epidemic and Dangerous Misconceptions

At the heart of the opioid epidemic, there is a prescription pill bottle that once was filled with painkillers. Time and time again, prescription painkillers are the number one problem when it comes to prescription drug abuse. Indeed, the danger is real and extreme.

No matter who you are, if you abuse prescription painkillers, you will become addicted. When it comes to human beings, opioids are addictive across the board. Thus, prescription drug misuse and abuse is a real danger. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use disorders like prescription drug abuse, please contact us today. We are here to help.