Many people do not realize the dangers posed by prescription drugs. They believe they are safer than illicit drugs because their manufacture is carefully controlled and they are distributed by licensed medical personnel. The truth is that the abuse of prescription drugs can be just as dangerous as illegal drugs.
Prescription drugs are now being included in the drug supplies of drug dealers. Dealers get their supplies by sending teams of people to multiple doctors’ offices and pharmacies to acquire hundreds of pills per trip.
Unscrupulous doctors willing to give anyone with cash a prescription for addictive drugs are a huge factor in the continuation of the problem with prescription drug abuse. An agent with the 21st Judicial Drug Task Force commented on this problem:
Police operations are already underway to crack down on pharmacies that freely fill even the most suspicious prescriptions. A team investigating one such pharmacy said that the majority of customers at pharmacies like this weren’t even from the local area. After running the plates of one such customer, an officer discovered the owner lived 240 miles away and had several previous arrests.
One of the most important ways to prevent prescription drug abuse is to educate yourself. Below, you’ll find signs of drug abuse for some of the most commonly-abused prescription drugs. We offer educational materials on the signs of drug abuse for all drugs.
Signs of benzodiazepine abuse:
Drowsiness
Unsteadiness while walking or moving around
Blurred vision
Poor coordination
Amnesia
Hostility
Irritability
Signs of painkiller abuse:
Apathy and depression
Mood swings
Poor memory and concentration
Slowed breathing
Anxiety
Slow movement and reactions
Drowsiness
Reduced social interaction
If you notice a loved one showing any of these signs, please contact us so we can assist you in getting them help before it is too late.
