Introduction
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that prescription drug abuse is a growing problem in the United States. NIDA defines prescription drug abuse as “taking a medication that is not prescribed for you, or taking it for reasons or in doses other than what is recommended” (National Institute on Drug Abuse). According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), more than 20 percent of people in the United States have used prescription drugs for non-medical reasons at least once in their lives (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). These drugs are often obtained through friends or family, with or without a prescription. Sometimes, people may fake symptoms to get a prescription from a doctor. The availability of these drugs, the misconceptions about their safety, and the profit motive of the pharmaceutical industry are all contributing factors to this problem. The essay discusses the growing problem of prescription drug abuse in the United States, their consequences such as addiction and overdose and some possible solutions to this problem, such as better education and regulation of these drugs.
Discussion
It is no secret that dependence and misuse of prescription drugs are severe problems in the United States. The documentary Escape Fire explores this issue in depth, examining the various factors contributing to it and the often devastating consequences that can result (Heineman). The film begins by shining a light on the pharmaceutical industry, driven by profit rather than genuinely helping people. This profit motive leads to dangerous drugs being pushed on the public, often with little regard for safety. For example, the film highlights the case of Vioxx, a painkiller that was found to increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes but was still marketed to the public (Heineman). The documentary Escape Fire discusses the serious issue of the dependence and misuse of prescription drugs in the United States. It is estimated that overprescribing drugs costs the U.S. healthcare system $250 billion annually (Heineman). The film shines a light on the pharmaceutical industry and how it influences doctors to prescribe drugs that may not be necessary and, in some cases, may be harmful.
The film further analyses the way that the FDA approves drugs. It is revealed that the FDA relies on drug companies to fund trials to test new drug safety and efficacy. This creates a conflict of interest, as drug companies are more likely to support preparations for drugs that are more likely to be approved. The documentary culminates with a discussion of the opioid epidemic in the United States. It is estimated that overprescribing opioids has led to the deaths of over 200,000 people in the past 20 years (Heineman). The film argues that the pharmaceutical industry is partly to blame for the epidemic, as they have aggressively marketed opioids to doctors and patients.
The film also looks at drug overprescribing, which can lead to dependence and addiction. This is a particular problem with opioids, often prescribed for pain relief. The film tells the story of one woman who became addicted to opioids after being prescribed them for a back injury. She eventually turned to heroin when she could no longer afford the pills, and her life quickly spiraled out of control (Heineman). The film argues that the current system is broken and that something needs to be done to fix it. One possible proposed solution is making it easier for people to access alternative treatments, such as acupuncture and massage. These methods are effective for pain relief but are often not covered by insurance.
The most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States are opioids, used to treat pain. Opioids are highly addictive and can lead to physical and psychological dependence even when used as prescribed. Opioid abuse and addiction is a severe problem in the U.S. and has been rising recently. The most commonly abused prescription drugs include painkillers, sedatives, and stimulants (National Institute on Drug Abuse). Painkillers are the most abused category of prescription drugs, including oxycodone, hydrocodone, and codeine. Sedatives, or tranquilizers, are the second most commonly abused category of prescription drugs and include medications like Valium and Xanax.
The reasons for the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs are varied. For some people, they may be curious about the effects of the drugs (National Institute on Drug Abuse). Others may abuse prescription drugs to self-medicate for a mental or emotional problem, such as depression or anxiety. Still, others may use prescription drugs to get high. Stimulants, such as Adderall and Ritalin, are the third most commonly abused category of prescription drugs.
Prescription drugs are more readily available now than in the past due to the increased number of written prescriptions. Another factor is the misconception that because prescription drugs are legal and prescribed by a doctor, they must be safe. However, prescription drugs can be just as dangerous as illegal drugs when misused (National Institute on Drug Abuse). There are several reasons why people might misuse prescription drugs. In some cases, people may be trying to self-medicate for an underlying mental health condition (National Institute on Drug Abuse). Others may be trying to cope with stress or anxiety or seek a way to escape their everyday lives. Some people misuse prescription drugs to improve their performance at work or school, while others may do it for recreational purposes.
One of the most common consequences of prescription drug misuse is addiction. When someone misuses prescription drugs, they alter their brain chemistry and increase their risk of becoming addicted. Addiction can lead to physical and psychological dependence on drugs and can be very difficult to overcome. Because people who misuse prescription drugs often take them in ways other than prescribed, they are at a greater risk of overdosing. Overdose can lead to serious health complications, including organ damage, coma, and death. Prescription drug misuse can also lead to other problems, such as relationship difficulties, job loss, and financial issues. People who misuse prescription drugs may have trouble keeping up with their home, work, or school responsibilities. They may start to neglect their appearance and personal hygiene. They may begin to engage in risky behaviors, such as driving while under the influence of drugs.
Solutions towards Misuse of Prescription Drugs
One way to help reduce the misuse of prescription drugs is to have better education on the risks and dangers of these drugs. This can be done in schools, through public service announcements, and by doctors and pharmacists. By educating people on the risks of these drugs, they will be more likely to make informed decisions about whether or not to use them (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). Some people may not be aware of the risks of taking prescription drugs, especially if they take them for the first time. If more people were aware of the dangers of these drugs, they might be less likely to misuse them (National Institute on Drug Abuse). Public service announcements can be an effective way to reach many people with this information. These announcements can be aired on television, radio, and online. Doctors and pharmacists are also in a position to educate patients about the risks of prescription drugs. They can provide this information when prescribing or dispensing these drugs.
Another way to help reduce the misuse of prescription drugs is to have better regulation of these drugs. This can be done by making it more challenging to get these drugs, increasing the cost, and selling them illegally. Making it more difficult to get prescription drugs can help to reduce misuse. This can be done by requiring a prescription for these drugs, limiting the number of pharmacies that can dispense these drugs, and increasing the scrutiny of prescriptions (Heineman). Increasing the cost of prescription drugs can also help to reduce misuse. This can be done by increasing the price of these drugs or making insurance companies less likely to cover these drugs. Making it illegal to sell prescription drugs can also help to reduce misuse. This can discourage people from buying these drugs, making it more difficult for people to get them. Moreover, another possible solution to the abuse of prescription drugs is to have better treatment options available for people addicted to these drugs.
Conclusion
There is a growing dependence on prescription drugs in the United States. This is partly due to the increased availability of these drugs and the fact that more people are being prescribed them for various conditions. While prescription drugs can be lifesaving and provide many benefits, they can also be misused. Prescription drugs can be dangerous when taken for non-medical reasons or in ways not prescribed by a healthcare provider. Some of the most commonly misused prescription drugs include opioids, sedatives, and stimulants. Misuse of these drugs can lead to addiction, overdose, and death.
Works Cited
Heineman, Matthew, and S. Froemke. “Escape Fire: The Fight to Rescue American Healthcare.” New York: Our Time Projects (2012).
“National Institute on Drug Abuse.” Definitions, 2020, Web.
“Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.” SAMHSA, Web.