Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem in the United States, according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, which states that approximately 20 percent of the population has misused prescription drugs at some point in their lifetimes. However, preventing prescription drug abuse is possible, and can be done in just a few steps.
Step 1
Educate yourself about drug abuse. By learning the signs of abuse, you will be more likely to recognize if you start misusing a drug and can seek help before it turns into an addiction.
Step 2
Only take prescription medications that are prescribed to you. Decline offers from well-meaning family or friends if they offer their pills to help with your ailment. You should only take medication under the supervision and recommendation of your doctor.
Step 3
Be honest and forthcoming when discussing your symptoms with your doctor. Do not attempt to exaggerate or falsify symptoms in order to get a specific type of medication, but do not underplay symptoms either. Also, make sure to include all pertinent details of your medical background, including other drugs you may be currently taking, so your doctor can make the best decision about which prescription medication is right for you.
Step 4
Learn about your medication options. Before taking any prescription medication, talk to your doctor about the potential for addiction. Some medications are more addicting than others, so work with your doctor to select a non-addicting medication for your ailment when possible.
Step 5
Read medication labels carefully and only use as intended. This includes following the proper dosage amounts, the length of time in between dosages, avoiding potential drug or alcohol interactions and following any safety precautions, such as avoiding operating heavy machinery or driving.
Step 6
Only use the medication when necessary. Talk to your doctor about alternative non-drug approaches to deal with your ailment. Examples of non-drug alternatives will vary depending upon your specific ailment, but may include things like exercise, meditation, acupuncture, massage or therapy. Some people may be able to use these things to reduce or even eliminate their need for medication.
Step 7
Seek help if you find yourself using the drug in a way it was not intended to be used. If you take more than the recommended dosage, use the medication more often than necessary or to treat symptoms it was not prescribed for, you should consult your doctor. Your doctor may decide to adjust the dosage or switch to another medication, or may determine if you could be developing an addiction to the medication. If this is the case, you should talk to your doctor about weaning yourself off of the medication and seek the additional help of a mental health professional to control your urges to misuse the drug.
Tips and Warnings
- Opioids, central nervous system depressants and stimulants are the most frequently abused types of prescription medications, according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse. Therefore, if your doctor has prescribed any of these types of medications for you, be particularly conscious of your use of them.
- If friends or family members express concern over the way you use your prescription medication, this could indicate that you may have a drug problem. It would be wise to listen to their concerns and talk to a mental health professional to rule out an addiction, even if you feel you do not have a problem.
